Do Circuit Breakers Go Bad?

Circuit breaker problems are annoying for any homeowner to deal with. However, most homeowners also know that when your circuit breakers “trips” (or turns off automatically,) it’s actually doing so to protect you and to ensure your electrical system isn’t being overloaded.

The flipside of this is that circuit breakers do sometimes malfunction, and you should be able to tell whether your system has tripped or is actually faulty. So to answer the question simply, yes, circuit breakers do go bad, the way any other essential home device can cease to work the way that it should. This being said, a faulty circuit breaker does not necessarily mean that it has to be replaced. A professional technician will be able to inspect the situation and tell you exactly the steps that are necessary to get your circuit breaker back to functioning properly in no time.

If you are wondering if your circuit breaker has gone bad, there are some signs that you can look out for that can help you determine whether there is indeed a problem with your circuit breaker. Keep reading to learn how to tell if your circuit breaker has gone bad, and remember to call our skilled Long Island New York electricians at Premier Electric & Design if you need professional circuit breaker repair or replacement.

What You Should Check to Tell If A Circuit Breaker Is Bad

First, you want to figure out what your circuit breaker is protecting

So when you're at the electrical panel and you're looking to reset your system, check to see which circuit breaker seems to be tripped. There should be a label corresponding to the switch telling you what it controls, and if there isn't for future use you should take the time to label them, it's well worth it. If everything appears to be working fine after you have reset the system, your circuit breaker more than likely is probably fine. If not, you may have a bigger issue on your hands.

2. Unplug Any Electrical Devices That May Be Overloading That Circuit

Figuring out which circuit specifically is malfunctioning will also allow you to determine what you are using that circuit for. That circuit may simply be overloaded, in which case you will need to unplug a few of the electrical devices its powering. Try rebooting your system after doing this, and if your circuit breaker still fails to provide power, then call an electrician to safely get the job fixed for you.

3. Listen for the Click of the Circuit Breaker

One of the key elements of turning your circuit breaker on and off is the distinct “click” you should her as you flip the switch. If your circuit breaker handle does not make any noise, chances are there’s a problem. Remember, your circuit should also take a minute to trip after you hear that click. If there’s no noise, and the system turns off right away, you’re likely dealing with either a short circuit or a bad breaker and will need to call a professional electrician right away.

There are a few other things to consider:

It's important to take note whether your circuit breaker trips immediately. If your circuit breaker is tripping immediately, then that is something that definitely needs immediate attention and professional help. This typically means that there is an issue with a faulty breaker or a short circuit. On the other hand, of your circuit breaker does not trip immediately, it usually means that your circuit is overloaded. In other words, there is more electricity moving through it that what it can handle. You can try solving this problem yourself, by moving around some of your electrical components to another circuit, so that then electricity flowing through each circuit is evenly split.

Get Electrical Help

We highly recommend getting a professional electrical inspection to ensure the safety of you and your family and pinpoint any potential damages. Through an electrical inspection, our team of experts will be able to thoroughly inspect any electrical issues that you may be having in your home and were not aware of.

This way, you will be able to prevent future damages and costly repairs, because our professionals will be able to fix any issues with your home’s electrical system right then and there. At Premier Electric & Design, we have what you need to keep your electrical system working better and lasting longer!

Call us at (631) 499.0695 for emergency repairs and same day service or contact us online for more information.