Troubled because your Viking stove keeps tripping the breaker? Cooking up a storm on your trusty Viking stove is a daily ritual many of us can’t live without. But what do you do when your kitchen superstar keeps flipping out and tripping the breaker? It’s not only frustrating but downright dangerous. Fear not, dear reader, for we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll delve into the common causes of this pesky problem and give practical solutions to help you return to your culinary masterpieces in no time. So let’s get cooking!
How Does an Electric Stove Work?
Before we dive into the causes and solutions of a stove that keeps tripping the breaker, let’s first understand how an electric stove works. An electric stove uses electricity to heat metal coils, which heat the cookware on top of them. The stove is connected to a circuit breaker, which controls the flow of electricity to the stove.
What Causes a Stove to Trip the Breaker?
A stove that keeps tripping the breaker is a safety feature to prevent electrical fires. It’s essential to understand the causes of the tripping to solve the problem. Here are the most common causes:
Overloading the Circuit
Overloading the circuit is the most common cause of a stove tripping the breaker. An overloaded circuit occurs when too many electrical devices are connected to a single circuit. The circuit can only handle a limited amount of power; if it exceeds that amount, the breaker will trip.
Faulty Circuit Breaker
Another cause of a stove tripping the breaker is a faulty circuit breaker. Circuit breakers can wear out over time and become less effective. A breaker that trips too often or fails to trip when needed can be dangerous.
Short Circuit
A short circuit occurs when the hot and neutral wires come into contact. This contact creates a low resistance path, causing a surge of electricity to flow through the circuit. The high current flow can trip the breaker.
Ground Fault
A ground fault occurs when a hot wire comes into contact with the ground or a metal object. The ground provides a low resistance path, causing a surge of electricity to flow through the circuit. The high current flow can trip the breaker.
Professional Solutions for a Stove that Keeps Tripping the Breaker
Now that we know the causes, let’s explore the solutions to a Viking electric stove tripping the breaker.
Reduce the Load on the Circuit
Reducing the load on the circuit is the first solution to try. This solution involves unplugging some of the electrical devices connected to the circuit, which reduces the amount of power drawn from the circuit. It’s essential to check the circuit’s amperage rating and ensure it’s not exceeded.
- Identify appliances causing the breaker to trip.
- Unplug appliances not in use.
- Avoid using multiple high-power appliances together.
- Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances.
- Use extension cords sparingly.
- Clean stove and oven regularly.
- Switch from electric to gas stove.
- Avoid using space heaters.
- Monitor electricity usage during peak hours.
- Encourage energy-saving habits.
Replace the Circuit Breaker
If the circuit breaker is faulty, replacing it with a new one is essential. Choosing a circuit breaker with the correct amperage rating for the stove is important.
- Turn off the power supply to the house.
- Remove the panel cover from the breaker box.
- Locate the faulty breaker and unscrew the wire from it.
- Note the amperage rating of the faulty breaker and purchase a replacement with the same rating.
- Install the replacement breaker and reattach the panel cover.
- Turn the power supply back on and test the new breaker.
Fix a Short Circuit or Ground Fault
Fixing a short circuit or ground fault requires the help of a professional. They will locate the fault, fix the wiring, or replace damaged components.
- Turn off the power supply to the affected circuit.
- Unplug all devices and appliances connected to the circuit.
- Check for and repair any damaged or worn wires and connections.
- Use a multimeter to test for a current between the ground and neutral wires.
- If no current is shown, the circuit is safe to use again.
- Reconnect all devices and appliances to the circuit.
- Turn the power supply back on and test the circuit to ensure it’s working correctly.
Need Professional Help? Contact Professional Viking Repair Today!
Don’t let a malfunctioning stove ruin your day. If you’ve tried all the DIY tricks above and your stove is still tripping the breaker, it’s time to call in the professionals. At Professional Viking Repair, your go-to choice for Viking stove repair near me, we have the skills and expertise to diagnose and fix any stove-related issue, whether big or small. Also, we offer top-rated Viking cooktop repair, Viking range repair, Viking oven repair, and Viking microwave repair!
Don’t wait until it’s too late – contact us today for fast, reliable Viking stove repair service that’ll have your appliance up and running in no time.