Tracing a potential short circuit (breaker keeps tripping)

[Anonymous]

I have a 15 Amp circuit breaker that is continuously trips. No changes to the house took place at the time the problem began. A reset of the breaker only lasts two seconds or so before it trips again. All devices plugged into wall outlets were unplugged and the breaker was replaced. The problem persists.

I suspect a short circuit somehwere. My question is how do I go about finding where the short is? Can the problem be a faulty receptacle or light switch? If so, how does one tell if that is the problem?

I guess I'm looking for a strategy here in locating the problem. Any ideas would be very appreciated.

Thanks!

[imported_joed]

My strategy would be to disconnect the wires from the breaker and use an ohmmeter to test for the short. Then start disconnecting parts of the circuit while checking of the short has cleared.
This sounds like you have a siezed motor. Is there possibly a sump pump or attic fan on this circuit that might be siezed.

[6pack]

Ohm meter would only give a faulse reading. You'll get readings thru a light bulb!Or anything connected to that circuit. Test my light bulbs all the time with an ohm meter. GL2U

[6pack]

What i'd suggest would be to take hard look at what's not working and try to assume what might be the middle of that circuit.(turn power off) at that point(mark what ever you take apart,MAKE A CHART) then seperate what would appear to be line wiring(POWER 120V)not switch loops for now. By seperate, open the splice, then reset your breaker and check to see if something comes ON or if breaker stays ON. Your half way there, if breaker trips then what you diconnected is not your problem. OKKeep repeating this procedure till you locate. Now you would be tracing most likely from that point back to breaker panel again pick a halfway point and repeat procedure. Keeping a Chart(very important so things go back to gether as taken apart) In hurry here if not clear repost and hopefully can walk thru without a rush. Take's me an hour to type. Gl2U