Skip Navigation

6 Signs That It’s Time to Update Your Circuit Breaker

burned circuit board

It’s a smart investment to have a circuit breaker replacement due to so many of your electrical appliances relying on it every day. Without its protection and management of your electrical system, many issues can go wrong that will harm your home. If you care about the safety of your family and how your electricity will be handled, then it is important to maintain your circuit breaker.

Circuit breakers are a valuable component of your home’s safety, yet they’re usually forgotten because they’re buried in your basement or utility closet. If you continue to ignore these warning signs, then your home and electrical equipment will be affected, and you’ll continue to deal with extremely annoying aspects, such as flickering lights and poor performance of appliances.

No one wants the fear of a potential fire, so pay attention to these signs and make sure to take care of your circuit breaker.

1. Physical Damage

The first sign you might notice immediately is damage marks to outlets or around the circuit breaker. Appliances might also be failing due to melted wires, which is a good indication that your electrical panel is affected.

If you notice any physical damage, you need to call for immediate service. A melted wire poses a huge fire risk to your home. Unplug all your appliances and make an emergency call for an electrician.

2. Frequent Tripping

When a circuit breaker is drawing too much power to protect your home, it is designed to trip. If it’s tripping every time you turn on an appliance, like your brand-new microwave or vacuum cleaner, then the breaker might be worn out. This could also indicate that your circuit breaker is starting to fail.

An electrician will be able to determine if this is the case, whether it is a bad breaker, or if it’s time for a new circuit to be added to your home.

3. Poor Performance of Appliances

Are you tired of dealing with your oven that bakes unevenly? How about the dryer you bought that always shuts off mid-cycle? You’re probably convinced that you’re getting poor appliances, but it’s not your appliances that should be blamed.

This issue is probably due to your failing circuit breaker since it supplies a lot of the electricity that helps other appliances. Make sure to check your circuit breaker before ruling out poor appliances.

4. Burning Smell Coming from Panel

If you smell a burning scent coming from the panel, it probably means its wires and insulation have been overheated. This means your panel is failing to protect your home from an electrical short elsewhere. Shut off the main power immediately if this is the case, and call an electrician for immediate service.

5. Old Age

If you can’t remember the last time your circuit breaker has been replaced or serviced, then it may be time to do so. Circuit breakers are designed to last; however, if they haven’t been serviced in the last ten years, then they might be nearing the end of their lifespan.

7. Breaker Won’t Reset

If your breaker won’t reset, it could mean that you have a short circuit, faulty breaker, or another concerning problem. When your breaker is completely blown, it’s wise to call in a professional electrician. Ask your electrician to check the entire circuit to ensure no further damage was done to the wiring.

Reliable Circuit Breaker Services

Reliable Power Systems understands the importance of circuit breaker maintenance and maintaining the electrical health of your home. No home should deal with risks, especially when it comes to a potential fire due to poor maintenance. Additionally, maintaining the value of your home with an updated electrical panel gives buyers confidence they’re making a great investment.

We pride ourselves on excellent customer service. The amount of experience we have here at Reliable will benefit you in the long run, so choosing us will always be a wise investment. Contact us today for our circuit breaker services in South Florida.

Close

Schedule an Appointment

"*" indicates required fields

Schedule an Appointment

Schedule Now
Angie's List Super Service Award 2014
Reliable Power Systems 21st Anniversary 2002-2023
Angi 2022 Super Service Award 10 years in a row
Angi 2021 Super Service Award
Angie's list Super Service Award 2016
BBB Accredited Business
HomeAdvisor Top Rated
Kohler Generators Authorized Dealer
Generac Power Pro Premier
Tesla WallConnector Approved Electrician
Angie's list Super Service Award 2020
Angie's List Super Service Award 2014
Reliable Power Systems 21st Anniversary 2002-2023
Angi 2022 Super Service Award 10 years in a row
Angi 2021 Super Service Award
Angie's list Super Service Award 2016
BBB Accredited Business
HomeAdvisor Top Rated
Kohler Generators Authorized Dealer
Generac Power Pro Premier
Tesla WallConnector Approved Electrician
Angie's list Super Service Award 2020
'