The fact is that your circuit breakers are one part of your electrical system you likely don’t think about much unless you’re electrical system is suffering from any issues. The good news is that, in most cases, you don’t need to pay your circuit breakers much mind.
On average, a circuit breaker can survive between 30 to 40 years with little to no maintenance. However, this lack of required attention and maintenance means that it can be easy to overlook when it is time to have your circuit breakers replaced, and this can easily leave you without power when you need it most.
Fortunately, there are several signs that can help you tell when your breakers are reaching the end of their service life. Here we will take a look at several signs that it is time to replace your circuit breakers.
Signs That Your Circuit Breaker Needs to Be Replaced
There are several signs that a circuit breaker may need to be replaced, and here are a few of the most significant.
Tripping With No Explanation
Typically circuit breakers should not trip, and when they do, it is for an easily explained reason, such as running too many large appliances or electronics on the same circuit. However, if your circuits are regularly tripping, perhaps with little explanation, it is likely time to replace your circuit breakers.
When this occurs, it may not only be time to replace it but also ask a professional if an increase in current may be in order. This may be required to prevent overloading in the future.
The Breaker is Over 30 Years of Age
As previously discussed, most breakers will last between 30 to 40 years, and if your breaker is more than three decades old, it will more than likely need to be replaced soon. Most breakers will have a label that includes the date of manufacturing. However, if yours does not, it should have a serial number you can use to contact the manufacturer and inquire when it was made.
Visible Wear
In some cases, the breaker may have developed visual signs of wear. This may include loose connections, corrosion, damaged housings, or melted insulation. If any of these signs are present, it is time for a replacement.
Bulbs That Are Flickering or Rapidly Burning Out
If your lights are flickering or you find yourself frequently changing out bulbs, that’s is a good chance that your breaker is in need of replacement. A faulty circuit breaker may cause undependable power or sudden surges. When this occurs, it can cause lights to flicker or result in damage.
Circuit breakers are a crucial part of your home’s electrical system that serves to protect your home and device from damage. Though these devices rarely require much attention, when they do, it is critical to pay attention to the signs. If your circuit breakers are displaying any of these signs, it is time to contact a professional electrician.
Contact Us
If your home’s circuit breakers are in need of attention, don’t hesitate to contact Clark Electric. Our professional and licensed electricians can help to determine if your breakers are in need of replacement and ensure that your home’s electrical system is safe and efficient. Call us at (844) 431-8050 and connect with us on Facebook and LinkedIn.
