Robert, when a breaker trips from a heavy overload it will usually
throw the breaker handle switch all the way off, just as if you turned
it off. If however it is just a minor trip or heating trip from being
too close to full load too long, the switch way not trip far at all.
You can however tell by running your fingers down the lined up breaker
handles. By softly touching each one forward to the on position, a
tripped breaker most of the time feels different or will not go forward
and will in some cases finish the full trip motion after releasing it.
If that doesn't work, a slight pressure to the handle towards the off
position will finish the trip motion or have a gummy feeling compared
to a breaker set properly. Also by feeling the breakers as to
temperature can indicate an area for concern. If a breaker is hot, it
should be the tripped one, or one that is burning out if not
overloaded, either way it should be checked by an electrician for
faults or replacement.
.............bob
