The Electrical Gurnee electricalgurnee.com problem is a unique problem to the University of Illinois and all that surround it. The problem occurs when a tripped breaker is left on long enough to start a fire. This can cause a large loss of money for all companies that supply and service these circuits.
When a breaker trips due to a tripped breaker, the result is what is called a tripped circuit or an open breaker. You see, when a breaker trips it causes an opening or short. When this happens in your system it is called a short and it can cause a fire.
This is why we say that the circuit is always closed. But sometimes it is opened. A closed circuit is what you have when your circuit breaker is on and you are not using anything. The current that flows into the breaker goes through a transformer and into a grounded board, which complete the circuit.
During bad weather conditions when temperatures plummet, water comes in contact with these boards and makes the connection, they do not conduct electricity. Water conducts electricity, so the water simply sticks. When a breaker is opened, however, water can flow past the board and thus it does not conduct electricity, the current simply flows through the circuit.
An open circuit occurs when you turn off power to the breaker. As the power is shut off a surge will hit the breaker, making it a trip. Now the breaker is now in an open circuit and will continue to lose electricity until it is closed again.
Some circuits will have an automatic shut off, whereby it will automatically shut off when a certain amount of voltage is applied to it. Some circuits will have a switch that will either shut off the circuit or let you know that it is no longer in use. Some circuits will allow you to turn it back on when you leave, but others will have a large light that will indicate that it is unplugged.
In the case of a short circuit, it is a serious fire that can have catastrophic results. It is essential that you immediately turn off the power to the breaker. If there is any water on the board, take the circuit off and turn it off. If the breaker does not have a switch, this may be the case as the circuit is still open.
Electrical Gresham is one of the worst problems to happen in the electrical service industry. The fire hazard is only amplified by the fact that each company does their own tripping tests. The best thing you can do is get a service contract from a certified electrician that has been trained on this situation.