While you might miss the summer weather, Daylight Savings Time provides one aspect to look forward to in the fall—an extra hour of sleep! On November 3rd, people around the country get to set their clocks back and sleep in a bit. Since you’ll already be changing the clocks on your stove, microwave, and other devices, electricians recommend using this transition to massage your breaker box.

What Does It Mean to “Massage Your Breakers”?

When you “massage” your breakers, you’re not breaking out the calming music and aromatherapy—you’re simply turning the switches on and off. Breaker manufacturers and electricians encourage property owners to complete this simple task at least once a year, as it’s thought to extend the service life of the panel. Since your clocks need to be reset anyway, Daylight Savings Time is a convenient time to cross this off your to-do list.

How Do I Do It?

First, you’ll need to locate your breaker box, a metal compartment usually found in the garage, basement, hallway, or storage room. In some cases, it might be outside your home, along an exterior wall. If you have an older panel, don’t try this technique, as its only thought to prolong the life of more modern panels. 

Once you’ve identified your breaker box, don’t shut off the main breaker—just pay attention to the individual breakers which power the outlets throughout your house. Take turns shutting them on and off, slowly but deliberately. If there is a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) connected to the electrical panel, press the test button before resetting the main breaker.

 

If you’re having trouble identifying your breaker box or want some professional guidance with this maintenance task, turn to WM Electric of St. Louis, MO. They have over 30 years of industry experience, and they are proud to serve commercial and residential clients alike. Whether you need rewiring or repairs, you can trust these OSHA-certified electricians to get the job done right. To learn more about their services, visit the website, or call (314) 802-0001 to make an appointment today.