Your home’s circuit breaker is like any other electrical device, it ages and becomes defective. Circuit breaker failure can be anything from an overloaded circuit to a short circuit.
The circuit breaker is the heart of your electrical system. It is responsible for sending electricity throughout your entire home. It protects your family and property from faults or electrical fires.
How do you know if your circuit breaker is working properly? Or a circuit is broken?
If the breaker doesn’t stay in the “reset” mode, there is any physical damage, it is hot to touch, the panel box has a burning smell, the breaker trips frequently, or it older.
Breaker that won’t stay in “reset” mode
When a breaker won’t stay in “reset” mode, it means there is a short circuit. You need a professional electrician to check it out. You want them to ensure there aren’t any other dangerous issues going on in the wall and unit
Visible damage to the breaker box or outlets
Do you have any scorch marks near the circuit box, outlets, or appliances? This can be potentially dangerous, it typically means a wire has melted and could cause a fire. If this is the case, you should turn the power off and contact a licensed electrician.
Burning smell
Your electrical panel box should never smell like something burning. If this should happen, something is definitely wrong! Immediately, shut off the main power and contact Sanford Electric Company for emergency service.
Hot to the touch
If the electrical panel box (or even an outlet or dimmer switch) feels hot to the the touch, turn off the power and contact a professional electrician. Electrical fires are more common than you think.
Old age
The age of your electric panel box and circuit breakers play a huge role. While they are designed to operate for about a decade, depending on the situation, they may not last this long.
A tripping or malfunctioning circuit breaker may be annoying, but it is telling something. Don’t ignore it, contact the professionals at Sanford Electric Company.
