Electrical systems aren’t complete without circuit breakers, which protect circuits and electrical equipment from damage caused by high currents. To prevent accidents, it senses when there’s an overload or problem and cuts power to the circuit immediately. This protects the connected items from overheating, fire and other types of damage. When you reset the breaker, the circuit will work again. If it doesn’t work, you need to call an electrician. Electrical repairs of any kind are best left in the hands of a professional at all times. An electrician can easily detect the source of the problem, which could be any of the issues discussed below.
1. Overloaded Circuits
When the number of devices using a single circuit exceeds its capacity, a condition known as overloading occurs. Electrical fires, blown fuses or overheating may result from this. The best way to avoid these dangers and protect any linked equipment is to invest in timely repairs. A professional can determine exactly what’s causing the circuit to overload and fix the problem safely and effectively.
2. Tripped Breakers
Several things can trip a circuit breaker, such as appliance malfunctions, overloaded circuits and short circuits. Fixing these issues promptly is key to safeguarding the electrical system. Even though you can fix a tripped breaker yourself, ignoring or repeatedly resetting a tripped breaker without addressing the root cause poses fire and safety risks. This is why having a licensed electrician fix tripped breakers is important.
3. Short Circuits
When wires accidentally touch one another, they can short-circuit, which, in turn, causes an abrupt increase in your home’s electrical current. As a result, the wires may overheat and spark, potentially causing a fire. The safest way to address the problem is to have an electrician determine where the wires are touching and fix the problem immediately.
4. Aging Breakers
Breakers endure wear and tear over extended periods. And as they get older, they can pose significant risks to a home’s electrical system. Aging breakers are commonly associated with increased tripping, reduced load capacity and a greater risk of fire. By having your home’s electrical system inspected regularly, it becomes possible to replace aging breakers before they pose any risks.
5. Burned Out Breakers
Devastating power outages, electrical fires and gadget damage can all result from burned-out breakers in a home’s electrical system. These issues mean the breaker can’t effectively protect the circuit, posing a major threat to safety. To keep the electrical setup secure, efficient and risk-free, it’s crucial to promptly identify and replace burned-out breakers.
6. Faulty Wiring
A home’s electrical system is always vulnerable to faulty wiring if you perform repairs yourself, which may lead to several problems with circuit breakers. A faulty wiring system puts the whole structure at risk of electrical fires and tripped breakers. It can cause power outages, damage appliances and make fires more likely. The easiest way to avoid these concerns is by having a professional electrician repair any faulty wiring and then perform all future electrical repairs.
7. GFCI Tripping
Circuit breakers have a GFCI, which stands for ground fault circuit interrupter. This sensor detects ground faults and shuts off the circuit breaker when it senses there is a problem with the ground. Many things can cause the GFCI to trip, including water exposure, faulty appliances and loose wiring.
8. Arc Faults
Arc faults create high-temperature sparks. They can occur in many scenarios. Worn-out cords and overheated appliances are two of the main causes. Addressing arc faults promptly is crucial to preventing fire hazards. Many electricians recommend installing an arc fault circuit interrupter to mitigate the risks associated with arc faults.
9. Double-Tapped Breakers
Double-tapped breakers can quickly overload a circuit and present a fire hazard. When people try to install or modify things on their own, this problem usually pops up. To fix double-tapped breakers, an electrician must reroute the wire so that each breaker performs its designated function. Performing this repair immediately ensures the circuit remains intact and helps avoid any potential electrical dangers. Homeowners should not attempt to fix their electrical systems on their own since only trained professionals can guarantee a safe and compliant system.
10. Corrosion
Environmental variables, such as humidity or unsanitary storage conditions, can cause circuit breakers to corrode. When corrosion forms, it prevents electrical components from making good contact, which can cause problems like overheating or even failure. To fix this problem and keep it from affecting your home’s electrical system, it’s important to have a professional electrician inspect the situation and fix any issues linked to corrosion.
11. Appliance Issues
The circuit breaker in a house endures extreme stress and wear when appliances malfunction or have electrical troubles. Circuit breakers can trip due to overloads, short circuits or erratic power demands caused by these problems. One way to avoid these electrical disturbances is to keep equipment well-maintained and fix any problems quickly. It’s also helpful to watch for wear and tear and call in the pros when necessary.
12. Voltage Fluctuations
A home’s electrical system is vulnerable to damage from voltage fluctuations. Inconsistent power supplies can cause appliances to malfunction or fail prematurely. These fluctuations also have the potential to cause circuit breakers to trip, cutting off power to the home. Hazards include potential harm to sensitive electronics and flickering or failure of lighting systems. Homeowners may lessen the impact of these difficulties by fixing wiring and utility faults as soon as possible and by purchasing voltage stabilizers or surge protectors. All of a home’s electrical components depend on steady voltage levels to function properly.
13. Grounding Problems
Protective devices only work if they have proper grounding. Grounding problems can cause a cascade of problems with a home’s circuit breaker, including electric shocks, broken equipment and even fire. If you don’t fix the problem and the breaker keeps tripping, it can even result in a power outage.
14. Incorrect Breaker Size
For a home’s electrical system to work properly and safely, it is essential to have a professional assess the wiring and choose the appropriate breaker sizes. Breakers that aren’t big enough for the load are more likely to trip regularly, which is inconvenient and can harm your appliances. Meanwhile, there are potential safety concerns associated with using an oversized breaker, including voltage fluctuations, equipment damage and insufficient overcurrent protection.
Is there something wrong with the circuit breaker in your home? If so, don’t try to fix the problem yourself. Instead, save time and money by leaving the repair in the hands of a company like Dream Team Home Services that specializes in circuit breaker repairs and replacements. This not only helps keep you and your family safe, but it also reduces the potential risk of damage to your home. Dream Team Home Services also helps homeowners in Media and the greater Philadelphia area with all types of plumbing, heating and cooling installations, repairs and maintenance. Give us a call today to speak with a qualified technician about staying safe when troubleshooting circuit breaker problems.
