Why the Eaton Breaker Blinks 6 Times?

Eaton is a company that produces electrical products, including circuit breakers. Circuit breakers are important safety devices that are designed to protect electrical circuits from overloads, short circuits, and other issues that can cause damage or pose a fire hazard.

Eaton offers a variety of circuit breakers, including Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) and Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs). These types of breakers are designed to detect dangerous conditions and automatically shut off the power to prevent fires and other hazards.

In some cases, Eaton breakers may trip or blink 6 times, indicating that there is a problem with the breaker and it needs to be replaced. This article will provide information on what causes an Eaton breaker to blink 6 times and how to fix the issue.

Reasons of Eaton Breaker Blinks 6 Times

If your Eaton AFCI 15 amp CH breaker is tripping and then blinking 6 times, it means that the self-test has failed. This indicates that something is wrong with the breaker and it should be replaced.

Eaton offers a lifetime warranty on their breakers, so it may be worth calling the company to inquire about getting a replacement. They may require you to submit a request in writing or to send the defective breaker back to them, so it’s best to call and see what their specific process is.

In the meantime, you may want to consider purchasing a new breaker from a reputable retailer to avoid any potential issues with your electrical system. Here are the reasons:

Self-test Failure

One of the main causes of an Eaton breaker blinking 6 times is a failure of the self-test feature. This means that there is something wrong with the breaker and it should be replaced.

Wiring Issues

Another possible cause of an Eaton breaker blinking 6 times is wiring issues within the circuit. This could be caused by loose connections, damaged wire insulation, or other issues that prevent the breaker from functioning properly.

Overloading

An Eaton breaker may also blink 6 times if it is being overloaded. This can happen if too many devices are connected to the circuit, or if a single device is drawing more power than the breaker can handle.

Age

Over time, Eaton breakers can wear out and become less effective at protecting the circuit. If your breaker is more than a few years old, it may be starting to fail and may need to be replaced.

Defective Breaker

In some cases, an Eaton breaker may be defective right out of the box. If you suspect that this is the case, you should contact the manufacturer for a replacement.

Faulty Installations

If the Eaton breaker was not installed correctly, it may not function properly. This could be due to improper wiring, incorrect sizing, or other issues that prevent the breaker from working as it should.

Power Surges

Finally, power surges can also cause an Eaton breaker to blink 6 times. This can happen if there is a sudden spike in electrical current, such as during a thunderstorm or when a large appliance turns on. In these cases, the breaker is doing its job by tripping to protect the circuit from damage.

How to Fix a Eaton Breaker That Blinks 6 Times?

Tools needed:

1. Screwdriver
2. Voltage tester
3. New Eaton breaker
4. Wire stripper (optional)
5. Wire nuts (optional)

To fix an Eaton breaker that is blinking 6 times, you will need to replace the breaker. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Shut off the power to the circuit by flipping the main circuit breaker or removing the fuse.
2. Locate the Eaton breaker that is blinking 6 times and use a screwdriver to remove the cover plate from the breaker panel.
3. Use a voltage tester to confirm that there is no power to the circuit.
4. Carefully remove the Eaton breaker from the panel by unscrewing the mounting screws and pulling the breaker out of the panel.
5. Install the new Eaton breaker by aligning the mounting holes with the slots in the panel, and then securing the breaker with the mounting screws.
6. Connect the wires to the new breaker according to the wiring diagram provided with the breaker or on the inside of the panel cover.
7. Once the wires are connected, carefully tuck them into the panel and snap the breaker into place.
8. Install the cover plate, turn on the main circuit breaker or replace the fuse, and test the new breaker by flipping it on and off.
9. If the new breaker is functioning properly, the circuit should be restored and the breaker should not trip or blink 6 times.

How to Reset an Eaton Breaker?

To reset an Eaton breaker, follow these steps:

1. Shut off the power to the circuit by flipping the main circuit breaker or removing the fuse.
2. Locate the Eaton breaker that needs to be reset and use a screwdriver to remove the cover plate from the breaker panel.
3. Use a voltage tester to confirm that there is no power to the circuit.
4. Find the reset button on the Eaton breaker and press it to reset the breaker.
5. Install the cover plate, turn on the main circuit breaker or replace the fuse, and test the breaker by flipping it on and off.
6. If the breaker is functioning properly, the circuit should be restored and the breaker should not trip or blink 6 times.

Note: If the breaker continues to trip or blink 6 times after being reset, it may be faulty and should be replaced. It is recommended to call Eaton customer service or a qualified electrician to diagnose and resolve the issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean when an Eaton breaker blinks 6 times?

A: When an Eaton breaker blinks 6 times, it means that the self-test feature has failed. This indicates that there is a problem with the breaker and it should be replaced.

Q: Can an Eaton breaker be reset after it blinks 6 times?

A: In some cases, an Eaton breaker can be reset by pressing the reset button on the breaker. However, if the breaker continues to trip or blink 6 times after being reset, it may be faulty and should be replaced.

Q: What causes an Eaton breaker to blink 6 times?

A: There are several possible causes of an Eaton breaker blinking 6 times, including self-test failure, wiring issues, overloading, age, defective breakers, faulty installations, and power surges.

Q: What should I do if my Eaton breaker is blinking 6 times?

A: If your Eaton breaker is blinking 6 times, you should shut off the power to the circuit, remove the old breaker, and install a new breaker. It is recommended to call Eaton customer service or a qualified electrician if you are unsure how to replace the breaker or if the issue persists after the replacement.

Conclusion

Eaton breaker that is blinking 6 times indicates that there is a problem with the breaker and it needs to be replaced. The main causes of this issue include self-test failure, wiring issues, overloading, age, defective breakers, faulty installations, and power surges.

To fix the problem, the breaker should be replaced with a new one. This involves shutting off the power, removing the old breaker, installing the new breaker, and reconnecting the wires. Sometimes it also blinks 5 times.

It is recommended to call Eaton customer service or a qualified electrician if you are unsure how to replace the breaker or if the issue persists after the replacement. By replacing a faulty breaker, you can ensure the safety and reliability of your electrical system.