Since it prevents excess electrical currents from overloading your lights, appliances, and anything else plugged into your outlets, it’s an indispensable component of your electrical system. That’s why you should call an electrician to get a new one if you have reason to believe it’s no longer viable.

How to Know When You Might Need a New Circuit Breaker

1. Breakage & Damage 

You may notice that you must frequently replace your light bulbs because they burn out long before their life span is supposed to end. Perhaps your computer boards, coils, and other electrical tools are overheating as well, often causing them to permanently malfunction or stop functioning at all. 

2. Subpar Appliance Performance 

It’s no coincidence if it seems like you can’t get the performance you want from any of your appliances, including your refrigerator, oven, microwave, or washer and dryer. If they’re not producing the energy they need to meet your demands, there’s a good chance that the circuit breaker is the reason. 

3. Outages & Flickers 

A malfunctioning circuit breaker could also be the reason you suddenly lose power whenever you turn on an appliance. Another equally frustrating sign is when the lights flicker on and off throughout the day or evening, no matter how often you reset it. There’s no reason why such small amounts of electrical power should cause outages or flickers. 

4. Burning Smells 

An overheated circuit breaker will melt or fray the components inside the electrical panel, especially the wires. You’ll be able to smell them burning and see scorch marks around the breaker or the outlets and appliances it services.

Since this means that the breaker is failing and could be allowing excess electricity somewhere in your home, shut off the main power, and contact an electrician right away for emergency electrical repair.

5. Worn Out Breaker

Consider how long the circuit breaker has been in place. If it’s been ten years or more, it may be reaching an age where it will start malfunctioning soon. By scheduling an electrician to come over for routine electrical maintenance, you can get a new breaker before the problems even start. 

 
If you’re experiencing any of these signs in your home, get your circuit breaker replaced by an electrician from E-Con Electric, Inc. in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. As seasoned experts in everything related to commercial and residential electrical services, they’re prepared to diagnose and resolve the issue quickly, thoroughly, and with a friendly attitude. Since they’re available 24/7, they can come over for emergencies or by appointment at a time that’s convenient for you. In fact, to schedule a visit or request an estimate, call them today at (715) 423-8440 or message them online.