Tripping breaker - 06/22/05 08:04 PM
Last week we installed some low voltage linear lighting in some display cases in a library. We removed some old fluorescent strips which were existing and used the original circuit and 2 switches that controlled the lights.
The new lights, which were supplied by the building manager, is a 24 volt system. It now consists of 2 600 watt transformers with built in circuit breakers feeding approx. 10' of lighting per transformer.
Everything fired up fine, then I get a call the lights are out. It turns out the breaker has tripped. I check the load on the circuit and each transformer is drawing about 3.5 amps, total circuit 7 amps. So I decide to change the older SqD QO bolt on breaker.
After changing the breaker I'm discovering that the circuit still trips especially when I rapidly turn the switches on and off and not 1 particular switch. Either switch being turned on and off rapidly will cause this to trip.
I need to return tomorrow morning before the library opens to dig a little deeper. I'm wondering if a problem on the neutral might be the problem however there does not seem to be a logical explanation. The wiring is BX in very good shape (the building is about 30 years old).
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks
The new lights, which were supplied by the building manager, is a 24 volt system. It now consists of 2 600 watt transformers with built in circuit breakers feeding approx. 10' of lighting per transformer.
Everything fired up fine, then I get a call the lights are out. It turns out the breaker has tripped. I check the load on the circuit and each transformer is drawing about 3.5 amps, total circuit 7 amps. So I decide to change the older SqD QO bolt on breaker.
After changing the breaker I'm discovering that the circuit still trips especially when I rapidly turn the switches on and off and not 1 particular switch. Either switch being turned on and off rapidly will cause this to trip.
I need to return tomorrow morning before the library opens to dig a little deeper. I'm wondering if a problem on the neutral might be the problem however there does not seem to be a logical explanation. The wiring is BX in very good shape (the building is about 30 years old).
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks