power breaker flips off when I plug usb cable to computer from any scanner any thoughts would be appreciated ..thanks
power problem
- Thread starter dlaforett
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marksmith
Member
What power breaker? 110v?
mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
Is it a 110volt AC GFI circuit breaker?
no its the 15amp breaker was told it needs to be 20 amp in breaker panel
mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
OK, so simply changing out the circuit breaker isn't the solution. You need to have the entire circuit upgraded to handle 20 amps, that means the wiring, outlets, any switches, etc.
A single computer and scanner shouldn't be anywhere close to tripping a 15 amp breaker, so I suspect you have a lot of other stuff plugged in on the same circuit? Any chance you can off load some of that to another circuit?
As for why the breaker would trip when you plug the USB cord in, I suspect you have something else going on. Since this may be a safety issue, I'd really recommend getting a competent/licensed electrician out to check things. If you have faulty wiring, then you need to get that fixed.
wtp
Member
i would ask if it is a federal pacific breaker panel, but they never trip.
i found that out at the cost of a garage.
federal pacific...providing your power needs to the very end.
so if it happens to be a federal pacific panel box, have it changed out.
i found that out at the cost of a garage.
federal pacific...providing your power needs to the very end.
so if it happens to be a federal pacific panel box, have it changed out.
tvengr
Well Known Member
If plugging a USB cable into a computer trips the breaker, if must be a GFI breaker. You have a leakage path from the AC power to ground which trips the breaker. It could be hazardous to your life. GFI breakers compare the current going out to the current coming back in. If the case on a power tool or appliance shorts to the AC line and you touch it, the GFI will detect the difference in current and trip the breaker before it kills you. I agree that you should have the equipment and wiring checked. A 20 amp breaker requires that the circuit be wired with 12 gauge wire. If the circuit has only 14 gauge wire for a 15 amp circuit and you replace the 15 amp breaker with a 20 amp breaker, the wiring can overheat and start a fire.
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