Do Circuit Breakers Go Bad?
Circuit breaker problems are annoying for any homeowner to deal with. However, most homeowners also know that when your circuit breakers “trips” (or turns off automatically,) it’s actually doing so to protect you and to ensure your electrical system isn’t being overloaded.
The flipside of this is that circuit breakers do sometimes malfunction, and you should be able to tell whether your system has tripped or is actually faulty. So to answer the question simply, yes, circuit breakers do go bad, the way any other essential home device can cease to work the way that it should. This being said, a faulty circuit breaker does not necessarily mean that it has to be replaced. A professional technician will be able to inspect the situation and tell you exactly the steps that are necessary to get your circuit breaker back to functioning properly in no time.
If you are wondering if your circuit breaker has gone bad, there are some signs that you can look out for that can help you determine whether there is indeed a problem with your circuit breaker. Keep reading to learn how to tell if your circuit breaker has gone bad, and remember to call our skilled Raleigh electricians at CMC Electric if you need professional circuit breaker repair or replacement.
Related: Top 10 Everyday Electrical Issues.
How to Tell If A Circuit Breaker Is Bad
- Figure Out What Your Circuit Breaker Is Protecting: When you go to your electrical panel to reset your system, check to see which circuit breaker handle seems to be misaligned. There should be a label attached to the switch telling you what it controls. If that equipment appears to be working fine after you have reset the system, your circuit breaker is probably okay. If it continues to malfunction, you may have a bigger issue on your hands.
- Unplug Any Electrical Devices That May Be Overloading That Circuit: Figuring out which circuit specifically is malfunctioning will also allow you to determine what you are using that circuit for. That circuit may simply be overloaded, in which case you will need to unplug a few of the electrical devices it’s powering. Try rebooting your system after doing this, and if your circuit breaker still fails to provide power, then call an electrician to safely get the job fixed for you.
- Listen for the Click of the Circuit Breaker: One of the key elements of turning your circuit breaker on and off is the distinct “click” you should hear as you flip the switch. If your circuit breaker handle does not make any noise, chances are there’s a problem. Remember, your circuit should also take a minute to trip after you hear that click. If there’s no noise, and the system turns off right away, you’re likely dealing with either a short circuit or a bad breaker and will need to call a professional electrician right away.
Some Things To Consider:
You will want to notice whether your circuit breaker trips immediately or not. If your circuit breaker is tripping immediately, then that is something that definitely needs immediate attention and professional help. This typically means that there is an issue with a faulty breaker or a short circuit. On the other hand, of your circuit breaker does not trip immediately, it usually means that your circuit is overloaded. In other words, there is more electricity moving through it that what it can handle. You can try solving this problem yourself, by moving around some of your electrical components to another circuit, so that then electricity flowing through each circuit is evenly split.
Get Electrical Help
We highly recommend getting a professional electrical inspection to ensure the safety of you and your family, and pinpoint any potential damages. Through an electrical inspection, our team of experts will be able to thoroughly inspect any electrical issues that you may be having in your home and were not aware of. This way, you will be able to prevent future damages and costly repairs, because our professionals will be able to fix any issues with your home’s electrical system right then and there.
At CMC Electric, we have what you need to keep your electrical system working better and lasting longer! Call 24/7 at (919) 246-4798 for emergency repairs and same-day service, or contact us online for more information. And don’t forget to ask about available specials and financing!
