Key Signs Your Circuit Breaker Requires Immediate Repairs
One of the most frustrating things you may deal with as a homeowner is your outlet not working. When you head down to your electrical panel box, you may find that the circuit breaker has tripped. You turn it off and turn it back on to reset it. As you go to walk away, it trips again. Keep reading to find out more about some signs that you need electrical panel repair, and learn more about how 1st Choice Service Group Heating & Air can help.
1. Frequent Tripping
One of the most obvious signs of an issue with your circuit breaker is that it’s repeatedly tripping. When you first experience a circuit breaker trip, you can flip the switch and turn it back on.. If it instantly trips again, it’s best to shut the circuit breaker completely off. Constant tripping is a big red flag that signals an overloaded circuit, failing wiring, or a faulty circuit breaker.
2. Buzzing
Your panel box should not make any noise. If you start to hear a buzzing, crackling, or even sizzling noise coming from your panel box, it indicates an immediate problem. These noises can be from loose wiring making intermittent contact, a circuit breaker that’s constantly failing, or electrical arcing inside the box itself. Electrical arcing can be extremely dangerous, as it generates an intense amount of heat that can ignite any surrounding materials
If you hear loud noises coming from the panel, turn the main breaker off and call for professional service.
3. Flickering Lights
One fairly obvious sign of a circuit breaker malfunction is flickering lights in your home. You’ll notice a change in the intensity of power when you turn on certain appliances or circuits. When you notice widespread flickering connected to appliance use, it means that your electrical system is overloaded. Updating their circuit breaker or panel box may be necessary to remedy this problem.
4. Burning Smell
One rather alarming sign of a circuit breaker issue is a burning smell near your panel box. This typically indicates melted wiring, overheated wiring, loose connections, or dangerous electrical arcing. It’s best to shut off your power if you notice a burning smell until one of our electricians can further assess the issue. The fire risk of leaving your circuit breakers on is extremely high when you have a burning smell at your box.
5. Breaker Feels Hot
Whenever you’re at your panel box, it should feel cold or just slightly warm to the touch. If you notice that any of your circuit breakers seem to be overly hot, it indicates an immediate issue. This could be a faulty breaker, loose wiring, or even an overloaded electrical circuit. Heat is a major problem that can indicate a high risk of an electrical fire at your home.
6. Visible Damage
One of the more obvious signs that your circuit breaker needs professional assistance is that it has visible damage. This could be melted plastic or black or brown scorch marks on the breaker itself. You may notice rust or corrosion developing or even charring around the breaker or panel box. These can indicate dangerous issues like overheating, electrical arcing, or even water intrusion in your panel box.
7. Burnt Outlets
While you may not connect a problem with an outlet to your circuit breaker, it’s important to realize that they’re all interconnected. Any outlets that feel warm to the touch, have discoloration, or even a slight burning smell can indicate a problem with their circuit breaker. Whenever the circuit breaker can’t properly regulate electrical flow through the circuit, it can allow outlets to have too much electricity.
8. Electrical Shocks
One last indicator that your circuit breaker needs professional assistance is that you’re noticing small static shocks whenever you’re plugging items in. While these can happen occasionally, they shouldn’t be happening back-to-back. When they do, it typically indicates a compromised circuit breaker that’s in need of replacement.
Reliable Electrical Repair Service
1st Choice Service Group Heating & Air offers reliable electrical repair service for the Asheville, NC area. We can also assist with all your electrical inspection, installation, and replacement needs. Phone our office today to schedule your next consultation with one of our experienced electricians.