Recognizing The Signs
Bad circuit breakers aren’t just inconvenient; it can be very dangerous. We tend to take circuit breakers for granted, assuming that if they worked when installed, they’ll continue to work.
Circuit breakers are designed to disallow short circuits and overloads, so breaker failure is serious. Circuit breakers are one of the most-used features of your home, and the lifespan of a breaker is, on average, 30 to 40 years, but not all breakers last that long. Due to their constant use, over time, they wear out. Most of the time, we don’t notice this.
However, there are symptoms that a circuit breaker is going bad and needs to be replaced. So, if you notice any of the following symptoms, you may have a bad circuit breaker that needs to be replaced, so don’t put up with any malarkey, call Mister Sparky.
What Signs should you look for?
If you notice any of the following, you may have bad circuit breakers even if it doesn’t trip:
- Hot breaker
- Burning smell
- Damage to the panel
- Breaker keeps tripping
- Flickering lights
- Frayed wires
- Buzzing or crackling noises
- Loss of power to a circuit
- Appliances function poorly
If you notice any of the above, you should have your electrical panel checked to avoid unpleasant surprises or dangerous fires.
Hot Cirrcuit Breakers or Outlets
Although an overloaded circuit will usually trip the breaker, that’s not always the case. Sometimes, a breaker can fail, but the current still flows through it. This is called a silent failure and can damage an appliance, cause it to overheat, or cause a fire.
A circuit breaker can fail but not trip due to:
- Manufacturer defect
- Loose connections
- Overloaded circuit
- Internal damage to the breaker
None of these may be obvious, but they have the potential to damage your home. So if you have electrical problems and you haven’t had your breaker panel checked recently, don’t put up with any malarkey, call Mister Sparky.
Burning Smell
If you notice a burning smell, particularly if it smells electrical and comes from the electrical panel, be sure to address the issue immediately. Locate the source of the smell if it’s not the panel, and disconnect the appliance or item that’s causing the odor. Then, call an electrician to resolve the problem. Don’t ignore it because you may unwittingly start a fire if you do.
Panel Damage
If your electrical panel has been damaged, it should probably be replaced, but this isn’t a DIY project. You need a professional electrician like Mr. Sparky to repair your panel. Otherwise, you may invalidate your homeowner’s insurance since most insurance companies require a professional to perform these types of repairs. Also, most municipalities require these types of repairs to be performed by licensed contractors.
Breaker Keeps Tripping
If one or more of your circuit breakers keep tripping, they probably need to be replaced. If that doesn’t correct the issue, then your electrician can track down the problem and resolve it.
Flickering Lights
If your lights often flicker, you likely have an electrical problem, so don’t put up with malarkey, call Mr. Sparky. A steady electrical current will not cause your lights to flicker, so if your lights flicker, the current is being disrupted somewhere between your breaker and the outlet.
Frayed Wires
If you notice that any of your electrical wires are frayed, it could be due to bad circuit breakers. Your local Mr. Sparky has the tools and expertise to determine the load the wire is carrying and if it has exceeded its lifespan.
Buzzing or Crackling Noises
Humming, buzzing, or crackling noises can indicate a serious problem with your electrical panel, so don’t delay calling your local Mr. Sparky to investigate the cause of the noise. Your electrical wires are supposed to be neither seen nor heard.
Loss of Power to a Circuit
If one of the circuits in your panel doesn’t have power, there may be a problem between the outside electrical box and the panel, or there may be another issue. Only a professional electrician can diagnose and fix this, however.
Electrical repairs can be dangerous, and you can suffer physical harm or death if you don’t know what you’re doing. Electrical contractors have specialized training to perform electrical repairs and installations safely. If you have electrical problems, don’t put up with malarkey, call Mr. Sparky, and make sure your repair is done right the first time.
Appliances Perform Poorly
If your appliances are not performing to their usual standard, it may be due to your circuit breakers. When a breaker ages or is possibly defective, it won’t conduct current well, and you may think you need to replace the appliance. However, bad circuit breakers may be the culprit.
If you haven’t had your circuit breakers checked in a decade or more, you’re definitely overdue for a checkup. Especially if the breakers are older, they may not be working as well as they should. Replacing breakers is definitely preferable to experiencing a house fire, so call your local Mr. Sparky to schedule an appointment.
Need a Checkup?
If you haven’t had your panel checked in several years, now is a good time to schedule one even if you aren’t noticing any of the signs.
Updating or replacing your current panel is a good investment in the value of your home. It also provides peace of mind because you’re comfortable that an electrical fire isn’t likely to occur. If you plan to sell your home, a new electrical panel is a great selling point for a potential buyer. Remember, don’t put up with malarkey, call Mr. Sparky!
