The circuit breaker is essentially the heart of a home’s electrical system. Circuit breakers help to protect the home from harm, overloads, or from power surges that could cause a fire. As the circuit breaker panel ages, it may not function properly and may even put your home at risk. To determine the condition of your circuit breaker panel, Simon Electric will share a few warning signs or failure that can help determine if it is time to replace your circuit breaker panel.
Purposes & Uses of Circuit Breakers
The circuit breaker panel houses the individual breakers that over time, may need to be replaced. The circuit breaker helps to control or monitor the flow of electricity in each circuit. When a power surge or another abnormality occurs, the breakers will trip to help protect the home from a possible electrical fire. As a breaker begins to wear down, they may show the following signs.
Electrical Burning Smell from Breaker Box
Burning smell from the electrical panel. When a breaker or even the entire panel may require replacing is when you can smell an electrical burning smell. When a burning smell is detected in the panel, the breakers should each be checked and inspected for any damages. If needed, they should be replaced. When a burning smell is present, to be safe, turn the main power switch off and call for emergency services from your preferred electrician.
Circuit Breaker Won’t Reset
When you are unable to reset the breaker, or you switch it on and it immediately switches off again, this could indicate a serious problem. Occasionally the problem is with the circuit breaker itself. However, there are times the problem is elsewhere in that particular circuit. The could be a loose connection in the circuit or even damages. When the breaker continues to trip, it is best to leave the breaker off and have the circuit breaker as well as the entire line checked by an electrician.
Damage to Circuit Breaker
Visible damages to the breaker or other electrical features. When you can see obvious damage to an outlet, an appliance, to the breaker itself, or you see melted wiring, then something is wrong. When you can see burn marks, or you hear an electrical popping sound, that means there was a power surge that may have caused the damages. As the breakers age, they may not trip quickly enough or properly which results in the damages. When theses damages occur, keep that circuit off and have the breaker replaced and even consider having your home’s electrical system inspected.
Appliance Keeps Tripping Circuit Breaker
If, as an example, you were vacuuming or starting a load of laundry and the breaker keeps tripping, this is often a sign of a problem. Some outdated breakers may not be able to handle the demands of modern electrical equipment or devices. Usually a problem in older homes is that often an electrical system upgrade is needed and not just a simple replacement. Other signs of an outdated electrical system is when the lights flicker or dim when other appliances are in use.
Electrical Wiring Repair & More in Delray Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter & Boca Raton & Palm Beach County Florida
If you are having circuit breaker or other electrical problems, contact Simon Electric. We provide many electrical services such as inspection, repair, and replacements, as well as total system upgrades. To schedule our service, contact Sentry Electric today!
