Milwaukee Electrical Panel Installation

How Long Do Circuit Breakers Last?

Some people may wonder, “Do circuit breakers wear out?” or “Do circuit breakers go bad?” This is because of the long life of a circuit breaker box. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the lifespan of electrical breakers is typically between 30-40 years. Electricity issues such poor power ratings or fluctuating voltages are all factors that will affect how long your circuit breaker lasts.

Bad circuit breaker symptoms include:

• Flickering or blinking lights
• Fire or smoke in the switches or appliances
• Frequently malfunctioning or damaged appliances
• Physical damage near the breaker. 

In order to increase the life expectancy of your circuit breaker, monitor and take measures to improve factors like amp magnitude, switching rates, preventative maintenance, and environmental impacts.

How Do You Know if a Circuit Breaker Needs to Be Replaced?

So, how can you tell if your circuit breaker is bad? There are several signs of a faulty, malfunctioning or weak breaker that you need to keep an eye out for. You will need to replace a circuit breaker if it gives off a burning smell or you see visible damage, worn-out wires, or hot to the touch. If you are experiencing any of these issues, call our Milwaukee electricians to perform and inspect today.

What Are Signs of a Bad Circuit Breaker?

Eliminate potential safety hazards as well as frustrating and recurring electrical issues by learning how to tell if you have a bad breaker. By understanding signs you should keep on your radar, you can better protect expensive appliances, your electrical system as a whole, and most importantly, your family from associated dangers.

Here are key signs of a bad circuit breaker:

• Noticing blinking or flickering lights inside your home
• Experiencing poor performance or interruptions with appliances
• Regularly replacing light bulbs since they're quickly burning out
• Smelling an electrical burning odor originating from your panel
• Uncovering physical damage, like scorch marks or melted wiring
• Struggling with frequent and frustrating circuit breaker trips
• Having an outdated breaker incapable of providing sufficient power
• Feeling heat coming from your breaker when experiencing issues

Why Upgrade Your Service Panel?

If your home was built before 1960, it's possible that you have a fuse box instead of a panel, which may not be sufficient in powering your home. Additionally, if you have an older service panel, it is more likely to require frequent and costly repair.

Our skilled and trustworthy team will perform a detailed inspection of your panel system and offer our honest recommendations to help you make the most informed decision for your home.

Here are three benefits of upgrading your service panel:

• Increase your circuit capacity: Whether you're planning a home remodel or upgrading appliances, it's likely you'll need to add circuits to your system. However, if your panel doesn't have space for extra circuits, an upgrade will be necessary for a successful remodel.
• Enhanced safety features: Eliminate the risk of electrical shock or arcs thanks to modern service panels. They are code-compliant and can combine AFCI and GFCI breakers for the perfect indoor/outdoor solution.
• Improve your property value: Hiring an experienced electrician to upgrade your service panel is an easy and hassle-free way to help maximize the value of your home.

How to test a circuit breaker

Circuit breaker testing is an essential part of any electrical safety system. It involves checking the breaker to make sure it is working correctly and can trip when necessary. Testing a breaker can be done in several ways, including visual inspection, amperage draw tests, and voltage drop tests.

The first step in circuit breaker testing is a visual inspection. This involves looking at the breaker to ensure it's properly installed, is rated for the correct voltage and amperage, has no signs of physical damage or corrosion, and is firmly secured in place.

If your breaker trips frequently, you may need to perform an amperage draw test. This will measure how much current is being drawn by the breaker when it trips. If the breaker trips at a lower draw than its rated amperage, then there may be an issue with the breaker itself or with a component connected to it.

Finally, you may need to perform a voltage drop test. This will measure any voltage drops in the circuit that could be causing the breaker to trip. If you find that there is a significant voltage drop in the circuit, then you will need to correct it before the breaker will start working properly again.

Testing a breaker can help identify any issues and make sure your electrical system works safely and efficiently. If you suspect that the breaker may be faulty or if your circuit breaker keeps tripping, you should contact a professional electrician to inspect the breaker and perform any necessary tests.

Suggested Reading:

• 5 Signs You Need A New Circuit Breaker
• When Should You Call For Circuit Breaker Replacement?