Your circuit breaker is one of the most important parts of your home or business’s electrical system. It helps keep your property safe by shutting off power when there’s an electrical problem. But just like anything else, circuit breakers can wear out over time. Knowing when to schedule a circuit breaker replacement can help prevent bigger electrical issues—and even fire hazards!
At Dixie Electric, Plumbing & Air, we’ve been helping property owners in Montgomery, Auburn-Opelika, and Columbus, GA, for over a century. If you’re wondering whether it’s time to replace your circuit breaker, here are some signs to look out for.
Signs Your Circuit Breaker Needs to Be Replaced
1. Your Breaker Trips Frequently
It’s normal for a circuit breaker to trip every once in a while, especially if you plug in too many devices at once. But if your breaker is tripping often for no clear reason, it might be failing. A faulty breaker can’t handle electrical loads properly, which puts your home or business at risk.
2. You Notice a Burning Smell
A burning smell near your electrical panel is a big red flag. This could mean that wires inside the panel are overheating. Overheated wires can cause fires, so if you notice a strange odor, turn off the power and call a licensed electrician right away.
3. Your Breaker Feels Hot to the Touch
Your electrical panel should never be hot. If your breaker feels warm or even hot, it means there’s a serious issue. This could be due to faulty wiring, a damaged breaker, or overloaded circuits. Either way, it’s time to have a professional check it out.
4. You Hear Buzzing or Crackling Sounds
Your breaker box should be silent. If you hear buzzing, crackling, or popping sounds coming from the panel, that’s a sign of electrical arcing. This means electricity is jumping between loose or damaged connections, which could lead to sparks or even a fire.
5. Your Breaker Won’t Stay Reset
If you try to reset your breaker and it immediately trips again, there’s likely a bigger issue. While sometimes this happens due to a bad appliance or overloaded circuit, a worn-out breaker can also be the cause. If it keeps happening, it’s time to get it inspected.
6. Your Lights Flicker or Dim
If your lights flicker or dim when you use certain appliances, it might mean your breaker isn’t working correctly. A failing breaker can struggle to provide a steady flow of electricity, causing power fluctuations throughout your home or business.
7. Your Breaker Panel is Old
Most circuit breakers last 25 to 30 years, but if your home or business has an older electrical panel, it might not meet today’s power demands. Upgrading to a modern circuit breaker replacement can help keep your property safe and your electrical system running smoothly.
Why You Should Call a Professional
Working with electricity is dangerous. If you suspect your circuit breaker needs replacing, don’t try to fix it yourself. Instead, call a licensed electrician from Dixie Electric, Plumbing & Air. We have over 100 years of experience helping property owners in Montgomery, Auburn-Opelika, and Columbus, GA with their electrical needs.
Schedule Your Circuit Breaker Replacement Today
Don’t wait until a faulty breaker causes a bigger problem! If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs, contact Dixie Electric, Plumbing & Air for a professional circuit breaker replacement. Our team is here to keep your home or business safe and powered. Call us today!
