So it seems like 3/4 of the basement is running off of one breaker is there anything i can do so i dont keep blowing it?

Maybe getting a electrician out here and upgrade the breaker?
I have no idea about any of this stuff and was just curious.
The house is older (1975) and the box is as old as the house

 

Do you have any empty slots in your breaker box? I don't think an electrician would put in a bigger breaker...fire hazard.

Let's say you had 10 outlets and/or lights in your basement all on one 15 amp breaker. If you're blowing that breaker, and you have an empty slot in the box, you could (in theory) install a 2nd breaker and wire 5 outlets/light to one and 5 outlets/lights to the other breaker.

 

Nope no empty slots

Can I get a new box installed with more slots for this type of thing? What would something like that run?

 

The title to your thread has HUGE joke potential.
However,I don't feel like getting banned over jokes...

Good Luck with your (Breakin 2) Electric (Boogaloo) problem

 

What's running off it ? Freezer maybe ?

 

35 years is not "old" for a house. Heck, my house was built over 50 years ago and it's considered "modern". I wouldn't call a house "older" until it passes at least 100 years. I have relatives that live in a house older than 250 years. It was upgraded with electricity but they have *fuses* not breakers!

Anyway, you could try just replacing the breaker in case it's defective, that would be inexpensive but it won't fix your problem if you just have too much current on that circuit. In that case it would be necessary to wire in another circuit which would involve *some* new wiring also. Depending upon the difficulty of the job it could be anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand. It really depends upon how much new wire needs to be added and how accessible the walls are. You also need to insure you have additional capacity in the main feed from the street to your breaker box.

You will want a licensed electrician to do the work. He can take a look at your specific situation and make a recommendation.

 

I hope you have some good knee pads!

 

Try replacing the breaker first. It could be getting weak.

 

gotta find out whats running off that breaker and how much power its drawing. if all the slots are filled up good chance you are close to your max amperage. its most likely a 100 amp service thats the code minimum. a subpanel might be a option. have an electrician come do a load calculation.

 

I once seen an Eskimo blow a seal and man what a mess that was!! sorry i just had to....

 

Yea, I had to go 200 Amp. From what I understand, that's the norm nowahdays. Of course it's got to be set up right as well. Certain appliances need dedicated circuits.

 

if the panel is filled to the max.. im almost positive its 100 amp panel.if you plan on keeping the house an upgrade wouldnt hurt its always good to have room for expansion in the future.. if you wanna put on an addition etc. ive been on many remodels where people want go add all kinds of electrical loads and i tell them thier service might not be able to handle it..people overlook things like that.

 

Real and 88racing have both given you good advice. If you are not overloading that circuit with some high-draw appliances, there's a good chance the breaker itself is faulty (and they're easy to replace). Why do you suppose Ace Hardware carries so many of them? Just remember to cut off power to that box before you start mucking around in there.

Now, if a new breaker does not solve the problem and you are not overloading the circuit, there is likely a wiring problem. The most common points are the plug sockets on that circuit, switches and, or, lighting fixtures. What you might have is an intermittent short to ground and I'd start with the sockets, (where you plug things in). I had to replace one of those last week in the rental house we own because it had an internal short that blew a circuit breaker in the house. They're easy to replace too - just pop the breaker for that circuit before you start.

- Jack

 

The difference in price from 100 to 200 amp service upgrades is not much. You're looking at around 1000 for your average service upgrade (new meter, outside wire, wire inside to new panel, and a brand new 40 circuit panel). For a 200 amp service you are looking at around 1300.

This is CNY prices, and based on AVERAGE service change... if you have a nightmare service, you will pay more.

Call an electrician and see if he can measure the amps of the circuit in question. If it is at or above the breakers rating with everything you have on normally, you need a new circuit run. have him put in a 'twin breaker" so that you can fit it in your panel that is full if the panel can handle the load and is in good shape (no rust or corrosion) The twin breaker makes 1 breaker into 2 circuits.

 

Take amp draw first. The breaker may not just be weak.