Are you frustrated because your Bissell carpet cleaner keeps tripping the breaker or blowing fuses?
Many people face this issue while using their carpet cleaners.
The good news is that there are several reasons why this might be happening, and, more importantly, there are ways to fix it.
Let's find out why your Bissell carpet cleaner might be tripping the breaker or blowing fuses and see which solution might help.
Why Does My Bissell Carpet Cleaner Keep Tripping Breaker Or Blowing Fuses?
To grasp the root cause behind your Bissell Carpet Cleaner repeatedly tripping breakers or blowing fuses, it's essential to delve into electrical arcing.
Understanding Electrical Arcing
Electrical arcing happens when electricity jumps across a gap in a circuit.
Rather than following its designated path, the current "arcs" between two points, causing a sharp and significant surge in electricity.
The phenomenon can generate a flash or spark, often associated with fires or appliance damage risks.
In devices like carpet cleaners, arcs can be attributed to issues like damaged wires, water intrusion, or mechanical failure.
Nuisance Tripping
In electrical arcing scenarios, "nuisance tripping" occurs when an AFCI breaker shuts off, even without a real danger.
This can be triggered by everyday appliance use and doesn't necessarily indicate a problem.
Arcing In AFCI Vs. Conventional Breakers
AFCI (Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter) breakers differ significantly from traditional breakers.
While both are designed to prevent electrical overloads, AFCIs have the added capability of detecting potential arc faults.
As mentioned, AFCIs are designed to detect dangerous arc faults.
They will trip to prevent potential fires or damage if they sense an irregularity.
However, their heightened sensitivity can lead to the aforementioned nuisance tripping.
Traditional circuit breakers, on the other hand, primarily watch for overload conditions and short circuits.
They don't have the ability to detect arc faults, which means they won't trip in many situations where an AFCI might.
So, if you're using a Bissell Carpet Cleaner on a circuit with conventional breakers and it keeps tripping them, it's likely due to one of these reasons:
- Power overload: Too many devices or appliances drawing power from the same course.
- Electrical short circuit: A situation where electricity strays outside the established pathway, often due to damaged wires or faulty design.
- Faulty electrical breaker: The breaker itself might be malfunctioning and needs replacement.
Related Article: Bissell Carpet Cleaner: Flow Indicator Not Spinning – What To Do?
What To Do When My Bissell Carpet Cleaner Keeps Tripping Breaker?
Here's a comprehensive guide to help you troubleshoot and resolve the abovementioned issues.
Solution #1: Try Unplugging The Vacuum
First, unplug your vacuum and wait a few minutes before plugging it back in.
The circuit breaker can sometimes trip if the vacuum is drawing too much power.
You can reset the breaker and try again by unplugging it and letting it rest for a few minutes.
Solution #2: Check The Plug And Power Cord For Damage
A damaged cord or plug can lead to short circuits, subsequently tripping the breaker or blowing the fuse.
To determine if this is the issue:
- Unplug the machine.
- Gently run your hand along the entire length of the power cord. It should feel smooth without any bumps or exposed wires.
- Inspect the plug for any bent or damaged prongs.
If you find any damage, it's advised to visit a Bissell Authorized Service Center or contact Bissell's customer service.
Solution #3: Check If The Outlet Is Working
Sometimes the problem isn't with the carpet cleaner but with the electrical outlet itself.
Check whether the outlet works by plugging in a cell phone charger or a small appliance.
If the outlet is not working, try plugging the vacuum into a different outlet.
If the vacuum works in another outlet, then there is an issue with the original outlet, and you should contact an electrician.
Solution #4: Inspect The Cleaner For Leaks
Inspect the cleaner for any leaks. If there is a leak, it could be causing a short circuit and tripping the breaker.
If you find a leak, turn off the vacuum and unplug it before contacting a Bissell Authorized Service Center or Contact Us for further assistance.
Continue reading: Bissell Carpet Cleaner Leaving Dirty Water
Solution #5: Use A Higher Rated Circuit
If none of the above solutions work, you may need a higher-rated circuit to power your vacuum.
Check your vacuum's rating and ensure you are using a circuit that can handle the power load.
You may need to contact an electrician to install a higher-rated circuit.
Here's a helpful video that details the solutions discussed above.
How To Reset My Bissell Carpet Cleaner?
Resetting your Bissell carpet cleaner can resolve minor glitches and ensure smooth operation.
Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
- Make sure your carpet cleaner is turned off.
- Set the brushroll switch to the 'off' position.
- Disconnect the cleaner from the electrical outlet for safety.
- You'll find the brush reset button on the lower back right of the cleaner.
- Press this button to reset the brush roll mechanism.
- Reconnect the cleaner to the electrical outlet and turn it on. This step confirms if the brush has been successfully reset.
- Turn on the brush roll. When you lean the cleaner back, the brush should begin to rotate if it's set to the 'on' position.
You can watch this video tutorial for a more precise understanding and a visual guide on these steps.
When To Seek Professional Help?
If you notice any strange noises or smells coming from your carpet cleaner, it is best to have a professional look.
These could be signs of a more serious issue that needs to be addressed immediately.
It is also important to note that attempting to fix your carpet cleaner alone could cause more damage and lead to costly repairs.
So, if you are unsure how to fix the issue, it is always better to leave it to the professionals.
You might also like: Does A Bissell Crosswave Work On Carpet?
Summing It All Up
Dealing with a Bissell carpet cleaner tripping the breaker or blowing fuses can be frustrating and time-consuming.
However, taking the time to troubleshoot and fix your Bissell carpet cleaner will save you money on repairs and ensure the unit's efficiency.
Did you find this guide helpful?
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