Power distribution or supply question

Robin Deatherage · June 14, 2012, 10:41:11 AM

We have a Lanier LD625c color copier that we started using about 6 months ago. When it is in use, it is frequently tripping the circuit breaker so I am wondering if it would help if I purchased some type of power distribution or power supply device to stop this from happening. I really don't know what though. Any advice is appreciated.

Jeff Zylstra · June 14, 2012, 11:03:18 AM

Quote from: Robin Deatherage on June 14, 2012, 10:41:11 AM
We have a Lanier LD625c color copier that we started using about 6 months ago. When it is in use, it is frequently tripping the circuit breaker so I am wondering if it would help if I purchased some type of power distribution or power supply device to stop this from happening. I really don't know what though. Any advice is appreciated.

No, it won't help. The breaker is tripping because there is too much amperage draw on that circuit. Too many lights, too many other appliances or maybe one other high draw appliance is causing this. You are trying to force too much water (amperage), through to narrow of a hose (the electrical cable). Either increase the size of the "hose" by having an electrician replace that electrical cable, or move that machine to another circuit. The electrical cable is probably overheating because of the load, which is tripping the circuit breaker. Don't ignore this. It is a warning sign of overheating that could cause a fire. A lot of fires happen this way at night because they smolder for a while. Call an electrician.

Robin Deatherage · June 14, 2012, 11:11:08 AM

Quote from: Jeff Zylstra on June 14, 2012, 11:03:18 AM
Quote from: Robin Deatherage on June 14, 2012, 10:41:11 AM
We have a Lanier LD625c color copier that we started using about 6 months ago. When it is in use, it is frequently tripping the circuit breaker so I am wondering if it would help if I purchased some type of power distribution or power supply device to stop this from happening. I really don't know what though. Any advice is appreciated.

No, it won't help. The breaker is tripping because there is too much amperage draw on that circuit. Too many lights, too many other appliances or maybe one other high draw appliance is causing this. You are trying to force too much water (amperage), through to narrow of a hose (the electrical cable). Either increase the size of the "hose" by having an electrician replace that electrical cable, or move that machine to another circuit. The electrical cable is probably overheating because of the load, which is tripping the circuit breaker. Don't ignore this. It is a warning sign of overheating that could cause a fire. A lot of fires happen this way at night because they smolder for a while. Call an electrician.

Ok thanks Jeff.

Jeff Zylstra · June 14, 2012, 11:16:43 AM

You're welcome. Sorry if I was "gruff" or unequivocal, but this is one area where I am allowed to be a curmudgeon. I often see business owners being cheap and ignoring clear warning signals because they fear big bills from an electrician. I will gladly pay for a good electrician.

Robin Deatherage · June 14, 2012, 11:24:13 AM

Quote from: Jeff Zylstra on June 14, 2012, 11:16:43 AM
You're welcome. Sorry if I was "gruff" or unequivocal, but this is one area where I am allowed to be a curmudgeon. I often see business owners being cheap and ignoring clear warning signals because they fear big bills from an electrician. I will gladly pay for a good electrician.

No worries. I know something needs to be done, just wasn't sure what. Appreciate the good info as always.

Jan Regnier · June 14, 2012, 11:30:24 AM

And to add - the circuit that it's plugged into was probably not ever set up to carry the load it now does. If the building has never been remodeled (unless it is newer and just wasn't set up to be "business equipment" specific) the type of equipment available at that time didn't require the load the equipment does now - nor the number of things that may be accessing it (like power strips with multiple items plugged in!) Just because there is a plug available doesn't mean it can handle whatever is plugged in.

Being in charge of this area is tough - but the fact that you recognize it as a problem earns you a gold star!

Jeff Zylstra · June 14, 2012, 01:25:39 PM

Quote from: Jan Regnier on June 14, 2012, 11:30:24 AM
And to add - the circuit that it's plugged into was probably not ever set up to carry the load it now does. If the building has never been remodeled (unless it is newer and just wasn't set up to be "business equipment" specific) the type of equipment available at that time didn't require the load the equipment does now - nor the number of things that may be accessing it (like power strips with multiple items plugged in!) Just because there is a plug available doesn't mean it can handle whatever is plugged in.

Being in charge of this area is tough - but the fact that you recognize it as a problem earns you a gold star!

A "gold star" was given to both of you. Jan is exactly right. Copiers, laser printers, electric heaters, etc... All of these items can nearly take the entire capacity of an older 15 amp circuit all by themselves. Laser printers and copiers heat up a drum to bind ink to paper in the printing process. That kind of load was never contemplated in 40 year old electrical design.

Gene Foraker · June 14, 2012, 02:12:46 PM

Just imagine that all of the devices on the circuit a sucking on a single milkshake with each device having a straw. Then imagine you put Rosie O'Donnell with her own big straw on that circuit. There is just not enough to go around. Put her on her own circuit.

Jeff Zylstra · June 14, 2012, 02:15:50 PM

Quote from: Gene Foraker on June 14, 2012, 02:12:46 PM
Just imagine that all of the devices on the circuit a sucking on a single milkshake with each device having a straw. Then imagine you put Rosie O'Donnell with her own big straw on that circuit. There is just not enough to go around. Put her on her own circuit.

ROFL! Is this the giant sucking sound that Ross Perot was referring to?