Having problems with your electricity at home? One place to look is the circuit break box. Circuit breakers trip when the load on your circuit becomes too great, eventually cutting off the electrical current flowing to that circuit. If your electrical difficulties are indeed due to a damaged circuit breaker, that breaker is going to have to be replaced. Here’s a guide to knowing when it’s time to replace circuit breakers in your electrical system.

Testing for a Faulty Circuit Breaker

To first thing to do when troubleshooting your electrical problem is identify what circuit the problem is on. After you’ve ruled out any obvious difficulties such as a burned out light bulb, faulty device, or problem at your local power plant, the next thing you need to do is visit your circuit box. After unplugging any devices that are on the affected circuit and turning off any lights, you need to visually inspect the position of each circuit breaker in the service panel. The tripped switch will be leaning toward the OFF side or have a popped red button or other indication that it’s been tripped. So you found the tripped breaker double check and make sure devices are unplugged and its the right circuit. It is safe to reset the switch now. Once reset, slowly turn devices back on or plug them in one by one. Call Cardoso Electrical Service if it immediately flips off again or does so when all your devices are plugged in, there may be a problem in the wiring or the switch itself.

When to Replace Circuit Breakers

Circuit breakers tend to last a long time, but like anything they can become worn out, broken, or simply malfunction. A few signs to replace your circuit breaker because it is faulty are the following:

• Trips frequently and will not stay reset
• Hot to the touch
• Putting off a burning smell
• Signs of damage (black or burned materials, frayed wires)

When it’s time to replace circuit breakers in your electrical system, contact Cardoso Electrical Services of Wakefield MA. Working with electricity is tricky and can be dangerous, and is thus best left to someone with training. An electrician will also be able to determine if the problem extends beyond the breaker, involving the box itself or even wiring in the home. By using a Cardoso Electrical trained professional, you will keep yourself and those you live with safe, and will ensure that the job is done right.