PSA: My neighbor tried to stop a breaker trip by yelling at the electrical panel

I was over helping him with some lights when his kitchen circuit kept shutting off. Instead of letting me check the load, he marched to the panel and started scolding it like a misbehaving pet. He literally told the breakers to 'knock it off' and gave the box a firm tap. I had to bite my lip to keep from laughing out loud. Of course, it was just an overloaded circuit from his new espresso machine. We moved some plugs around and it was fine, but I'll never forget that scene. Makes you wonder what other wild fixes people attempt.

3 comments

3 Comments

the_shane1mo ago

Wild fixes people attempt" is so true. I used to think tech problems always needed a tech fix, but working IT help desk showed me how often people just talk to machines. Had a user once who would gently pat their monitor when it flickered, like comforting it. Your neighbor's breaker lecture totally fits that pattern.

hannah1971mo ago

They actually patted the monitor?

wendy9781mo ago

Oh man, my buddy's dad used to blow on his laptop's CD tray like an old Nintendo cartridge when it wouldn't open.