Westinghouse Overcurrent / Short Circuit on Load Side

Generator output breaker trips repeatedly when loads are applied

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Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

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Possible Causes

Shorted load circuit in home, overloaded branch circuits, faulty main output breaker, loose or damaged output wiring in generator

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Open the generator main breaker and ATS to isolate the generator from the home. Only qualified persons should work on live electrical circuits.

  • Inspect output wiring: With power off, check the generator's output lugs and cables for signs of overheating, loose connections, or insulation damage.
  • Test with reduced load: Reset the generator breaker and connect only essential loads. If the breaker holds, the issue may be in a specific house circuit.
  • Check house circuits: Have an electrician identify and repair any shorted or overloaded circuits in the home panel.
  • Replace faulty breaker: If the breaker trips at currents below its rating and wiring is sound, replace the generator main breaker with an OEM-rated unit.
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Repair Difficulty

Hard 4/5

Required Part

Generator Main Circuit Breaker
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