It is advisable to purchase a new circuit breaker with a higher capacity, perhaps a 240V, 80-100A circuit breaker, as breaker trips happen regularly.
We know that power is distributed as
P = IV
P stands for power in watts.
I is the same as current in amps.
And V stands for the voltage difference in potential.
The circuit breaker's function is to handle 240V, 60A.
A current of more over 60A will therefore trip the circuit breaker. The circuit breaker trips OFF when there is a significant amount of electricity flowing through it.
Three 5000W heating elements are now present in the furnace, and each of them trips the circuit breaker. Additionally, this element develops gradually; it does not happen all at once. When turned ON, the first component will draw the following amount of electricity from the mains:
We are aware that the initial heating element has a 3000W power rating.
P = IV
I' = 20.833amps
The circuit breaker is still operational in this scenario because of its 60A capacity.
The second heating element eventually turns on.
Furthermore, this will result in a current of
I" = 20.833amps
the total current drawn at this time is I = I' + I" = 20.833 + 20.833
I = 41.667 amps
Once more, the 60A capacity of the circuit breaker makes it still appropriate.
Eventually, the third component will trip ON once more, drawing current from:
I"' =
I"' = 20.833 amps
The current drawn overall is now I = I' + I" + I"'
I = 20.833+20.833+20.833
I = 62.5 Amps
The breaker will trip because the current exceeds the circuit rating.
Advice: Since replacing the furnace might be too expensive, I will suggest that they purchase a new circuit breaker with a higher capacity, possibly a 240V, 80-100A circuit breaker.
The complete question is : You have been sent to a new home. The homeowner reports that sometimes the electric furnace trips the 240-V, 60-A circuit breaker connected to it. Upon examination, you find that the furnace contains three 5000-W heating elements designed to turn on in stages. For example, when the thermostat calls for heat, the first 5000-W element turns on. After some period of time, the second element will turn on, and then, after another time delay, the third element will turn on. What do you think the problem is, and what would be your recommendation for correcting it? Explain your answer.
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