How To Tell If A Circuit Breaker Is Bad

Let’s take a look at four common signs that your circuit breaker is bad and needs to be replaced.

What Is A Circuit Breaker?

Circuit breakers are responsible for regulating how much electricity is flowing to a specific power source, such as outlets or appliances. In the event a circuit is overloaded, it will simply shut itself off to prevent any serious electrical/safety issues.

Circuit breaker switches look like heavy-duty, sideways light switches. The switch will be securely in the “ON” position when the breaker is functioning properly. Whenever the breaker trips, the switch will be out of place toward the panel’s middle area.

Signs Of A Bad Circuit Breaker

There are a few visible signs that a circuit breaker has gone bad and is in need of a replacement. These signs include the following:

• Frayed wires.
• Outlets shock or spark.
• Unusual burning odors.
• Buzzing or crackling sounds.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to call the professionals at Shield’s Electric Inc. immediately!

1. Frequent Tripping

While this may seem quite obvious, it is still worth noting. If your circuit breaker is tripping frequently, it’s a clear sign that there is a chronic issue that must be addressed. A frequently tripped breaker is generally a sign that you are putting far too much demand on the circuit. One solution is to move some of your electrical appliances to other circuits. This is especially common in older homes that feature circuit breakers that weren’t designed to support modern appliance demands.

Consistent tripping is also an indication that your breaker is failing overall. Or, it could be a sign that your home has too few circuits, which calls for a service upgrade. Call an electrician if you are unable to fully reset the tripped breaker. A surge, short-circuit could result in a potentially dangerous house fire.

2. Flickering Lights

Flickering lights, or even lights that dim on their own, can be indicators of a failing breaker. If it is simply one fixture, a loose bulb may be the issue. If the dimming or flickering continues or involves other fixtures, the circuit breaker may be the culprit.

If you happen to smell something burning or hear a crackling or buzzing noise, you may have frayed or loose wiring. This, again, could lead to a house fire.

3. Power Fluctuating

Noticeable fluctuations in power are not normal occurrences. If this is happening, there are issues with either the wiring, breaker, or electrical panel. It could also be the appliance itself.

If you have motors that don’t appear to be getting the usual power or are surging, you can try to plug them into an outlet on a different circuit. If it is still erratic or sluggish in its new outlet, it may just be the appliance. It if performs better on a different circuit, though, then it shows the first breaker is bad.

4. Old Circuit Breaker & Electrical Panel

It’s common sense that everything will wear out eventually. There are a few factors that will contribute to the longevity of your electrical panel and circuit breakers. Frequent power outages or brownouts can put a great strain on smaller power control centers. An overblown circuit can wear out these devices much quicker.

A circuit that has not been regularly inspected (recommended at least every ten years) can contribute to its early demise. The majority of circuit breakers will last between 30-40 years.

How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Circuit Breaker?

The main circuit breaker is responsible for controlling the power to all circuits in the service panel and any connect subpanels. The average residential breakers are 100-200+ amps. Older homes may feature a 60-amp main breaker.

Here is a complete breakdown of the average costs associated with replacing a circuit breaker:

• Replacing a standard 1-pole circuit breaker switch (15-100-amp): $100-$180.
• Replacing a 2-pole circuit breaker switch (50-200-amp): $180-$260.
• Replacing the main breaker switch: $200-$600.
• Installing new circuit breaker switch: $150-$300.
• Installing subpanel box: $500-$1,7000.
• Replacing entire circuit breaker panel box: $850-$4,000.
• Replacing fuse box: $1,100-$4,000.

The cost to completely replace a circuit breaker rests between $100-$260, as mentioned above.

SHIELD’S ELECTRIC IN TEMPE, ARIZONA