Electric Drill: Trips the Power Source Circuit Breaker
If your electric drill trips the power source circuit breaker, check these parts: the power cord, switch, carbon brush, and extension cord. A circuit breaker trips, or shuts off, the electrical flow to protect the circuit from overheating and causing damage. This can also lead to an electrical fire. Before you turn the switch back on, take a moment to determine what is causing the breaker to shut off. Most common reasons are: overloaded circuit, short circuit, or a ground fault. If the drill keeps tripping the circuit breaker after checking the drill for a short circuit or a bad ground, then it is a good idea to use a different circuit or unplug an item on that circuit so you are not overloading it.
To check the condition of the brushes, separate the two halves of the case by removing the screws. Locate and remove the brush holders by gently pulling on the wire. Check the condition of the brushes for ships, cracks, breakage and anything else out of the ordinary. Measure the brushes – they should not be 1.8 of an inch, or less. If the brushes are too short, replace them. Press down on the brush to check for good spring compression. You...
To check the condition of the brushes, separate the two halves of the case by removing the screws. Locate and remove the brush holders by gently pulling on the wire. Check the condition of the brushes for ships, cracks, breakage and anything else out of the ordinary. Measure the brushes – they should not be 1.8 of an inch, or less. If the brushes are too short, replace them. Press down on the brush to check for good spring compression. You can replace the brushes and springs by pressing the tab on the side of the holder. Remove the brush and spring. Clean the holder with electrical contact cleaner and install new brushes and springs. Make sure the tab locks in place on the brush holder during installation. Reinstall back on drill case using a small screwdriver to hold the brush down, giving you clearance. Reassemble the drill case back together.