Tripping Breakers, Replacements & Upgrades

Signs Your Circuit Breaker Needs Attention

Frequent Tripping of Breakers

If a circuit breaker trips regularly, it’s trying to protect your system from an overload or short circuit. While occasional tripping is normal, frequent tripping might indicate an issue with the breaker itself. It could be worn out or faulty, requiring replacement to maintain safety and prevent further damage to your electrical system.

Overloaded Electrical System

If your electrical system is older or if you’ve added new appliances or devices that demand more power, your existing circuit breakers may not be able to handle the increased load. Overloaded circuits can result in tripped breakers, overheating, and even fires.

Buzzing, Humming, or Crackling Sounds

Unusual sounds coming from your circuit breaker panel, such as buzzing, humming, or crackling, indicate a potential problem. These noises may signal overheating, a short circuit, or loose connections. A malfunctioning breaker should be replaced immediately to avoid more serious issues like electrical fires.

Overheating of Breakers

Circuit breakers should never be hot to the touch. If you notice that the breaker feels unusually warm or hot, it may be an indication of a problem such as a poor connection, an overloaded circuit, or an aging breaker. An overheating breaker is a fire hazard and should be replaced immediately.

Physical Damage to Breaker or Panel

Physical damage to the circuit breaker or its components—such as burn marks, cracks, or signs of rust—can significantly impact the safety and function of the breaker. Damaged breakers should be replaced right away to prevent electrical malfunctions and potential hazards.

Outdated or Older Breakers

Older circuit breakers, particularly those installed over 20 years ago, may not meet current electrical standards or the increased electrical demand of modern homes and businesses. As your system ages, so do the components, leading to a higher likelihood of failure and electrical hazards.

Electrical Shocks

If you experience mild electrical shocks when touching appliances or outlets that are connected to a specific circuit, this could indicate an issue with the breaker or the wiring on that circuit. Circuit breakers are designed to prevent electrical shocks by disconnecting the power when a fault occurs. A malfunctioning breaker may need to be replaced.

GFCI or AFCI Breaker Failure

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) and Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) breakers are specialized types designed to protect against electrical shocks and prevent electrical fires. If these breakers fail, they can no longer provide the protection required in areas like kitchens, bathrooms, or areas with older wiring. A faulty or non-responsive GFCI or AFCI breaker should be rep

Improperly Sized Circuit Breakers

In some cases, circuit breakers may not be the right size for the electrical demand of a particular circuit. A breaker that is too small for the circuit will trip often, while one that’s too large may not trip when it should, allowing dangerous overloads. Proper sizing is crucial to ensure the breaker functions correctly.