Your home’s circuit breakers can last for decades if they are properly installed and maintained, but there will come a time when they need to be replaced. Here are some signs that will tell you when that time has come.
Top Signs to Replace Circuit Breaker
1. Your Circuit Breakers Keep Tripping
One of the most obvious signs that something is wrong with your circuit breakers is that they keep tripping. Circuit breakers are supposed to trip when there’s a short circuit or a circuit is overloaded, but that shouldn’t happen when you turn on too many lights or run more than one appliance at once. Resetting a tripped circuit breaker isn’t hard, but if you have to do it whenever you run too many appliances or turn on one specific appliance, consider replacing the breaker.
2. You Have an Old Electrical Panel
If you live in an older home and don’t know how old your electrical panel is, it’s probably too old. Circuit breakers can last for up to 40 years, but they should be inspected every 10 years or so. Old and outdated circuit breakers can cause power surges that could damage your appliances and electronic devices, so have them replaced or at least inspected if you know they’re getting that old.
3. Incorrect Amp Wiring
If you’ve been having problems with your circuit breakers, check to see how many amps you have running through them. Older electrical panels are usually set at around 60 amps, which is way too low for most modern homes. You should have around 200 wiring amps to power most modern appliances.
To see how many amps are running through your circuit breaker, look for a number near the top of your electrical panel. If it’s around 60, get it replaced. Not only is it probably not enough for your household, but it’s probably old and should be replaced for that reason alone.
4. There is Visible Corrosion
Corrosion or rust on a circuit breaker is a serious problem that could cause an electrical fire. It’s also a sign of old age, so get the breaker replaced as soon as possible.
5. There is a Burning Odor
Burning smells in your home are never good, and those coming from your circuit breaker are no exception. A burning odor coming from a circuit breaker is a sign that the breaker is overloaded and could become a fire hazard. It could also be a sign of other electrical problems in your home, so contact an electrician as soon as possible for assistance.
6. Your Electrical Panel is Discolored
Discolored spots on your electrical panel are a sign that something is wrong with at least one of your circuit breakers. This could cause a fire if it isn’t addressed, so contact an electrician to have the damaged breakers replaced.
7. Your Electrical Panel is Warm to the Touch
Circuit breakers are supposed to trip when they get too hot. A breaker is a bi-metal strip that expands with heat and flips a switch to break an electrical circuit. Despite this, your electrical panel shouldn’t be warm to the touch. If it is, you need new circuit breakers and an updated electrical panel.
8. You Hear Buzzing Noises from Your Electrical Panel
A very faint hum coming from your electrical panel is normal; a louder and more noticeable buzzing sound is not. It can be a sign that your circuit breakers are releasing sparks, which is incredibly dangerous and should be addressed right away.
While these are all signs that your circuit breakers should be replaced, it’s best to contact an electrician if you want to know for sure. Whether you suspect that you need new circuit breakers or you need to schedule an inspection of your electrical panel, contact Mister Sparky right away. We’ll be happy to assist you and make sure that your household is safe.