Electrical panels & Circuit Breakers

Circuit Breaker Basics

Circuit breakers are very durable and it is uncommon for the modules to break down. Older panels with fuses required replacement, but a tripped breaker can usually be reset. However, there are still circumstances where the breaker will have to be replaced.

3 Signs you may need our circuit breaker services

• A burning smell around the panel –
  If you notice a burning smell, it could be that wires and the insulation have begun to overheat and are not protecting your house from an electrical short somewhere. Shut off your power IMMEDIATELY and give our electrical panel services a call as soon as possible.
• Breakers Tripping Frequently –
  Circuit breakers are meant to trip when too much power is being drawn, it’s designed this way to protect your home. If you breaker is tripping each time you use a particular appliance, it may be that your breaker is worn and ready to fail. call our expert circuit breaker services for the help you need.
• Breaker Will Not Stay Reset –
  If you are still resetting your breaker after several months and it won’t stay on for any period of time, it’s probably failed. Call our professional circuit breaker services and we’ll have our technician come and check to make sure no further damage was done to your wiring.

If you notice any of the described conditions, it is important to have your electrical panel serviced immediately. Improperly maintained circuit breakers run the risk of faulting or arcing, as corroded components can breach and directly contact one another. The resulting sparks and heat can cause a serious electric shock or a catastrophic electrical fire.

Install an Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter

A faulty circuit breaker may not trip, so it is important to look for any signs of a malfunction. Burn marks on the exterior or a low humming noise are indicative of a dangerous arc fault. In addition to repairing the breaker, an arc fault circuit interrupter will close down the circuit if an arc fault is detected.

Electrical Panel Replacement

If you determine a circuit breaker has failed, it may be more cost effective and safer to consider an electrical panel upgrade. Newer panels incorporate breakers equipped with a more accurate tripping mechanism when compared to older units. Previous generations of panels were sensitive and prone to short circuits.

A replacement panel is not only safer, our professional team of Sarasota electrical panel installation technicians will ensure that the replacement panel is installed safely and correctly. These new panels will also help improve the performance of your electrical system, especially if you upgrade to a 200-amp service. As new appliances and electronic devices continue to place greater demands on your electric service, a 200-amp panel provides the surplus capacity required to meet all your future electric needs.

What if My Circuit Breaker Trips?

If a circuit breaker trips, it doesn’t automatically mean it needs to be replaced. A breaker can trip for a variety of reasons, including a bad connection with a defective device. A breaker can be reset by flipping the switch back to the “on” position. If a breaker trips repeatedly, it is important to isolate the circuit and reconnect the appliances one by one to determine if the source of the problem is a device or the breaker itself.