5 Signs Your Circuit Breaker Is Failing

So, how do you know when it's time for a circuit breaker repair or replacement? In this brief article brought to you by Mr. Electric, we break down five signs that your circuit breaker might be on its way out.

SIGN 1: It Trips More Often Than It Should

We all expect a circuit breaker to trip once in a while. Maybe you plugged in a space heater and a hair dryer at the same time. No big deal.

But if your breakers are tripping frequently - like every time you use your microwave or blow dryer - then, that’s not normal. It could be a sign that the breaker is getting weak, or that it’s struggling to handle the amount of electricity it’s supposed to manage.

If your breaker keeps tripping for no clear reason, then it’s time to call an electrician and ask them to take a closer look.

SIGN 2: It Feels Hot or Smells Like Something’s Burning

RED FLAG: If your circuit breaker feels hot to the touch, or you smell something burning near the panel, then turn off the power and call a professional right away!

A warm breaker can mean that it's overheating, and that could be due to a loose connection or a part that's failing. And if you get a whiff of burning plastic or smoke? That’s never a good sign.

This is definitely NOT the time to wait and see. Call Mr. Electric ASAP to speak with a live representative or certified electrician. We're proud to provide emergency electrical repair in several regions.

SIGN 3: You See Visible Damage or Wear

Take a quick peek at your electrical panel (with the power off, to be safe). Do any of the breakers look discolored, cracked, or melted? Are there burn marks or signs of corrosion?

These are clear signs of damage. Even if the breaker is still functioning, it's not safe. Physical wear means the breaker is no longer reliable and should be repaired or replaced immediately.

And while you’re at it, have a certified electrician check the rest of the panel to make sure there aren’t any hidden electrical issues causing the damage in the first place.

SIGN 4: Appliances Act Weird or Lose Power Randomly

The issue of appliances flickering, shutting off for no reason, or acting strange when you turn them on might not be with the appliances themselves - it could be the circuit breaker.

Faulty breakers can cause inconsistent power flow. That, in turn, can damage electronics and make things run less efficiently. It’s not only annoying - it can cost you money in energy efficiency and if something expensive burns out.

When the lights start to flicker and your devices start acting spooky, don’t call a ghostbuster - call a certified electrician to check for failing breakers.

SIGN 5: The Breaker Won’t Stay Reset

A tripped circuit breaker should stay on once you reset it... But if you flip it back on and it immediately trips again, over and over, then it might be that the circuit is overloaded or there’s a short.

Let's face it: Sometimes, a breaker just wears out. Like a well-used light switch, the internal parts get loose or damaged and stop working correctly. That’s when it’s time to call Mr. Electric for a quality and affordable electrical service.

Why Choose Mr. Electric?

Sure, flipping a breaker switch is something any homeowner can do. But electrical repair work beyond that should always be handled by a trained and licensed electrician.

Mr. Electric is a reputable company with decades of industry experience. As an established, licensed, and insured company, we provide quality and reliability that you need when it comes to electrical service.

Our uniformed electricians treat every home or business better than their own, and we encourage you to provide feedback after the work is done. That's how we build upon our reputation for quality.

In fact, we're so confident in our workmanship that we offer a 1-year guarantee. Something not right? Call Mr. Electric and we'll fix it up.