Top 6 Signs That a Circuit Breaker Needs Replacement
Circuit breakers are automatically-operated electrical safety devices that play a valuable role in home safety by offering protection from power surges, overloads, and short circuits. They trip off to disconnect the power supply to a circuit whenever some fault occurs.
The average lifespan of a circuit breaker is between 30 and 40 years. An old, faulty, or poorly functioning circuit breaker can cause the circuit to overheat and increase the risk of electrocution, electric shocks, blackouts, and house fires. An essential step towards ensuring home safety is understanding when to replace the circuit breaker.
Here are a few warning signs indicating that one or more circuit breakers are experiencing issues, and it is time to call an electrician for circuit breaker replacement:
Breaker trips frequently
A circuit breaker trips when too much power passes through it. If the breaker trips whenever an electrical appliance is turned on or flipping the switch in a particular area, it indicates a failing circuit breaker. An electrician can inspect it to determine if the breaker is faulty or additional circuits are required to lessen the burden from the existing ones.
Burning smell coming from the electrical panel
A clear indicator of an impending circuit breaker replacement is a burning smell coming from the home’s electrical panel. A distressed circuit breaker often gives off a burning odor. It happens when wires and insulation overheat, signaling the circuit breaker’s inability to protect the circuit from overheating. Another red flag is when the circuit breaker or the electrical panel box is too hot to touch. Immediately shut off the main power supply and call a professional electrician.
Poorly performing appliances and light fixtures
Faulty circuit breakers can also cause performance issues with appliances that otherwise seem in good shape. If these appliances underperform, shut down while operating, or the bulbs require frequent replacements as they burn out quickly, the circuit breaker might be the culprit. Consider replacing the breakers to restore the proper functioning of appliances and fixtures.
Breaker fails to stay in reset mode
When a circuit breaker trips, homeowners need to reset it to its original position to continue performing optimally. Even after resetting, if the breaker trips or gets stuck in its place, it indicates an underlying problem. Call an electrician to troubleshoot the problem if the issue persists even after unplugging a couple of appliances or devices from the circuit breaker.
Visible signs of physical damage
Schedule a professional visit if you notice symptoms like scorch marks around the breaker or outlet, smoke damage, or melted wiring. It is a clear indicator of a failing circuit breaker and a sign of an impending electric fire. Unplug all the appliances, fixtures, and devices till an electrician replaces the faulty breakers.
Aging circuit breaker
A circuit breaker may need replacing or upgrading depending on its age. Though circuit breakers last for decades, some may wear out fast due to various factors. Experiencing flickering lights or electrical shocks while using an appliance may indicate old and damaged wiring. It is time to call an electrical professional if the panel is due for service for more than ten years.
Get in touch with a licensed residential electrical contractor to replace the circuit breaker.
Evenflow Home Services excels at swimming pool and spa wiring, trenching and underground wiring, hot tub wiring, AC and heating circuit wiring, fuse to circuit breaker upgrades, circuit breaker installation and replacement, and whole house surge protectors. We also offer 24-hour emergency services.
