A circuit breaker is an important part of the home. It helps you and your family remain safe. If you want to ensure that it's always in the best shape then it's a good idea to be proactive with maintenance. Specifically, you need to know when it's time to replace it. Here are a few signs that you may need a new circuit breaker. 1. Your current circuit breaker shows signs of physical damage.
If you need a circuit breaker replacement one of the first things you may notice immediately is marks around the breaker or outlets. Not only will you notice changes in your breaker, but also your appliances. The wires may be melting. In this case, there may be a problem with your electrical panel. Melting wires often indicates that there may soon be a fire in your home. So make sure that you immediately unplug all of your appliances and call for professional assistance. 2. Your circuit breaker is tripping more than usual.
Circuit breakers are designed to trip. This helps to protect your home in cases in which they're drawing too much power. The problem is if it's tripping each time you turn on one of your brand new appliances then it may be worn out. And this means that you may need a circuit breaker replacement. 3. Your appliances are performing poorly.
Have you recently noticed that your oven is baking unevenly? Perhaps your dryer is starting to shut off in the middle of a cycle. It's easy to assume that you need to replace these appliances. However, there are some instances in which your appliances are not to blame. Instead, take a look at your circuit breaker. You may be in need of electrical panel replacement. So before getting rid of your appliances speak with an electrician. 4. Your panel gives off a burning smell.
If you notice a burning smell coming from your panel, then it's a sign that your insulation and wires are overheating. And this means that you have electrical short that your panel is failing to protect you from. In this situation, it's a good idea to immediately shut off the main power and call an electrician. They may suggest that you get an electrical panel replacement. 5. Your circuit breaker is really old.
In some instances, you don't have to see specific signs of damage to know that it's time to replace breaker box components. Sometimes it's a good idea to replace it if it's old. Sure, circuit breakers are typically designed to last a long time. However, if you're not performing maintenance on it every so often this may reduce its lifespan. When was the last time you replaced your circuit breaker or had it serviced? If it's been so long that you can't remember then get in touch with an electrician. They'll be able to inspect it and offer professional advice. 6. For some reason, the breaker can't be reset.
A lot of homeowners are in the habit of constantly resetting their breakers. Even after months of resetting their breaker it never seems to stay on. Unfortunately, they don't realize that this may signify a problem. This can indicate a circuit breaker failure and it's something that you should take care of as soon as you can. If you want to ensure that your wiring doesn't have any damage then you should consult with a professional. An electrician may suggest that it's time to replace breaker box components 7. The breaker panel contains corrosion or rust.
This may seem like a small detail, but corrosion can be a shock hazard. And the spark that is created can easily lead to a fire. If you notice that there's minor rust on the housing of your breaker panel then you should ask an electrician to inspect the panel damage. They may even weatherproof your box. However, if there's a significant amount of rust on the panel, then it's time to replace the panel. Conclusion
The good news is you don't have to invest a large amount of money if you're in need of a circuit breaker replacement. And the best part about being proactive is that you can extend the lifespan of your appliances and ensure that your home is always safe. However, keep in mind that it's always a good idea to get the help of a licensed electrician. They can make sure that the job is done quickly and efficiently.