Not all electrical issues stem from faulty wiring, sometimes the problem lies with the breaker itself. When a circuit breaker begins to fail, it can cause anything from annoying power interruptions to serious safety hazards. Our team of licensed electricians have put together a list of key symptoms to watch out for before they turn into bigger problems:
Unexplained Power Interruptions
Does your breaker trip without warning, even when nothing new is plugged in? This isn’t just annoying it could mean the breaker can no longer handle the normal electrical load. While tripping is a safety feature, persistent or unexplained shutdowns often indicate the breaker is wearing out.
Overheating and Burning Odors
If you ever catch a whiff of something burning near your panel or worse, see scorch marks we urge you stop and investigate. This usually means the breaker or surrounding wiring is overheating, which is a major fire risk. Don’t let this situation go undiagnosed.
Breaker Won’t Stay On
Sometimes a breaker trips and simply won’t reset. If it keeps flipping off or refuses to stay in the “on” position, the internal mechanism could be damaged. A healthy breaker should reset and stay on under normal conditions.
Lights that Flicker or Dim
Notice lights dimming when the microwave runs, or flickering even when everything seems normal? This might be a sign that your breaker isn’t distributing power properly or that the circuit is being overloaded.
Visible Damage to Outlets or Wiring
Take a quick look at the outlets connected to the breaker in question. If you see burn marks, melted covers, or frayed wires, it’s more than cosmetic. It means the breaker may not be shutting off when it should, allowing dangerous heat to build up in your electrical system.
Feels Hot to the Touch
A little warmth is okay, but if your breaker feels hot even when it hasn’t tripped, that’s a sign something’s not right. Consistent heat without load is usually due to internal failure or excessive current running unchecked.
Buzzing, Humming, or Other Odd Sounds
Breakers are silent when working properly. If you hear buzzing, humming, or any kind of electrical “chatter,” it could point to a loose connection or internal sparking both serious issues that need professional diagnosis.
Appliances Acting Up
Power surges, inconsistent performance, or flickering electronics might not be the fault of the appliance at all. If these problems are limited to one area of your home, the breaker may be delivering unstable power to that circuit.
Outdated or Aging Panels
If your home is over 15 years old and the electrical panel has never been upgraded, the breakers might simply be past their prime. Like any device, breakers degrade over time and should be inspected routinely.
Time to Call a Professional: Lights on Electric
Noticing these problems in your home? It’s important to act quickly. Whether it’s a constantly tripping GFCI or flickering lights, Lights On Electric has the expertise to find the cause and fix it fast. Our friendly, licensed electricians are committed to providing reliable, safe, and affordable service you can trust. Schedule an inspection today and enjoy peace of mind knowing your electrical system is in expert hands.