A circuit breaker is an important safety feature within a building’s electrical system. When the circuit breaker detects a fault in the system, it interrupts the current electrical flow. Ideally, this prevents damage to the electrical components and appliances connected to the circuits. A properly functioning breaker can also prevent overheating that could cause a fire.
While breakers can last for many years, they eventually wear out. Watching for these signs that the circuit breaker needs replacement lets you know when to call an electrician to protect your home or commercial building.
Pay Attention to Frequent Breaker Trips
Occasionally, a circuit breaker will trip due to a power surge from temporary sources such as lightning. When this happens, you might be able to reset the breaker safely. However, you should be concerned if the breaker continues to trip without an identifiable cause. This is a common sign that something is overloading the system, such as a new appliance.
Explore Odd Appliance Issues
If you’ve added a new appliance to your home, then it’s possible that the electrical system may not be capable of handling the extra power demand. In this case, the circuit breaker might trip every time you use the appliance.
Failing circuits or systems struggling to keep up with demand could also cause outlets to perform poorly. In your home, this might appear as appliances acting up. If the oven fails to reach the proper temperature or your clothes dryer shuts off without warning, then an electrical system inspection could reveal that the issue isn’t with the appliance.
Check Out Flickering and Dimming Lights
Electricians often watch scary movies with a skeptical eye, as they know flickering lights are more likely a sign of electrical problems than ghosts. Flickering and dimming lights are often signs of disruptions in the flow of electricity.
Keep an eye out for lights that dim when major appliances turn on. If the lights seem like they might go out every time the HVAC system runs, the electrical wiring could be struggling to provide it with power.
Ask About Replacing Older Electrical Panels
Older electrical systems were built to run on fuses, which aren’t as safe as modern circuit breakers. If your property has a fuse-based system, it’s time to replace it for safety purposes.
Most circuit breakers are designed to last for 25 to 30 years. If your home is older than this or you can’t remember the last time the breakers were replaced, it might be time to give the panel an update.
Seeing Corrosion or Damage Within the Breaker Box
Like other parts of your property, corrosion or rust are signs of damage that reduce the effectiveness of the electrical system. Breaker boxes are designed to be waterproof, but moisture can seep inside and interfere with the wiring.
You might also see scorch marks, another sign that the circuit breakers are experiencing a problem.
Hearing Strange Noises Coming From the System
Properly functioning electrical systems barely make any sound at all. If you notice a buzzing noise coming from the breaker box, the circuits might be sparking or experiencing surges.
You’ll also want to worry if you hear popping, bubbling, or snapping noises coming from the breaker box or outlets. Working with an experienced electrician can help you identify the source of the noises, which often requires replacing the circuit breakers.
Respond Immediately to Burning Smells
Detecting a burning smell from the electrical panel or your home’s outlets is never a good sign. This could indicate that a portion of the system is already overheating or sparking.
If you notice this, shut off power to your house immediately and treat it as an emergency. Contact an electrician to identify the next steps to prevent fires and restore your property’s safety.
Once a circuit breaker begins to experience problems, it can no longer do its job to prevent fires and damage to appliances. Make sure to reach out to an electrician if you notice any of these signs of a problem. After the circuit breaker replacement, remember to schedule regular electrical system inspections to ensure the safety of everyone who visits your property.