Do You Need To Replace Your Circuit Breaker?

The average circuit breaker can last for as long as 40 years, but if you live in an older home or if another factor affects your home’s electrical system, you may need to replace your electrical panel. Here are some signs that may suggest that it’s time for a replacement:

Your breaker keeps tripping. If you notice that you consistently lose power in an area of your home whenever you have multiple appliances plugged in at once, it could be an issue with your breaker. While you may solve the problem temporarily by restarting your breaker, it’s a good idea to call an expert to evaluate your electrical panel for other concerns.

Your system uses fuses. Older homes may come with an electrical panel that uses a fuse system. Modern homes have safer alternatives to these fuse systems, so if you’re looking to purchase an older home or own an older home with a fuse-based system, you may wish to upgrade your breaker for better safety and functionality.

Your breaker panel is aging. Depending on the age of your home, your circuit breaker could be old enough to warrant a replacement. On average, it’s best practice to replace your circuit breaker every 25 to 30 years, but it may be a good idea to upgrade it sooner if you’ve replaced any appliances like your AC unit within the last few years.

You smell burning. A burning smell in your home can be a sign of electrical trouble. If you smell burning and can’t identify its source, quickly getting an electrical evaluation can prevent further damage.

You hear buzzing or see flickering. You may also notice a buzzing noise or experience flickering lights if there’s an electrical problem in your home. If you notice these signs frequently, it could be time to replace your breaker.

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