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10/Dec/2024

The electrical panel, also known as the distribution board or breaker box, is an integral part of any functional and safe electrical system. They are responsible for distributing, monitoring, and directing electrical current to various electrical circuits throughout your property. Upon detecting unusual or unsafe electrical activity in a circuit, the respective circuit breaker will 'trip off' to cut the power to that particular circuit.

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These safety mechanisms are not foolproof, however. There are several breaker panel issues to beware, and it's always advisable to hire a certified electrician to investigate. We'll go over some of these common issues here. If you'd like to speak with a trained professional, then feel free to call Mr. Electric. We're happy to help at any time of the day - or night.

Frequently Tripping Breakers

One of the most obvious signs that something’s wrong with your panel is when your circuit breakers trip often. To be clear, breakers are designed to shut off power (or "trip") when they detect too much electrical current. It’s a safety feature that helps prevent fires or damage to your wiring.

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But if you keep having to reset the same breaker every day - or even every week - then something is off. You could have an overloaded circuit, faulty wiring, or even a damaged breaker. An electrician can figure out what’s causing the issue and fix it before it becomes a bigger problem.

Burn Marks or a Burning Smell

If you see burn marks around your electrical panel or smell something burning near it, then stop what you're doing and call an electrician ASAP. This could mean that a wire or breaker is overheating. It is one of those problems that can go from bad to worse in a very short amount of time. In the worst-case scenario, it could start a fire inside your wall or breaker box.

Buzzing or Humming Sounds

Your breaker panel should be quiet. It is NOT normal to hear buzzing, humming, or crackling noises coming from it, because these sounds might mean there’s a loose wire, a breaker that’s failing, or another electrical fault inside the panel.

A little noise might be harmless if you're dealing with, say, a creaky door. In electrical systems, however, it usually means trouble. A certified electrician can safely inspect the panel and find the cause before something goes wrong.

Rust or Corrosion Inside the Panel

If you notice rust or corrosion inside your breaker panel, there’s a chance moisture has gotten in. This might be from a roof leak, high humidity, or poor ventilation. Corrosion weakens electrical connections and increases the risk of sparks or shorts. A certified electrician can clean or replace affected parts. If necessary, they may even recommend a full panel replacement.

Outdated Panels

Older homes may still have electrical panels that were installed decades ago. Some of these panels have known safety issues. They may not trip when they’re supposed to or may not handle modern electrical demands.

If your home’s panel is more than 30 years old, it’s a good idea to have a certified electrician inspect it. Even if it’s still working, it may not be up to today’s safety standards.

Why You Should Always Call a Certified Electrician

Breaker panel problems aren’t just inconvenient; they’re dangerous. Trying to repair them yourself or calling a handyman who isn’t licensed can put your home and your family at risk. A certified electrician has the training, tools, and experience to get the job done safely and right.

So, don't wait if you’ve noticed anything unusual with your panel - tripping breakers, weird smells, or strange noises. When you choose Mr. Electric for your electrical repair or service, you also get to enjoy a 1-year workmanship guarantee as well as upfront pricing.

Call Now For Urgent Assistance

Do you need an emergency circuit breaker repair or want an electrician to investigate your electrical panel as soon as possible? Call Mr. Electric to get in touch with a member of our team at any time of the day - or night. We're always ready to help.

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