One of the most common questions we receive from our customers is, “Can circuit breakers go bad?” The answer is yes, circuit breakers can go bad and will eventually go bad as they age.
If your circuit breaker goes bad, you’ll either need to repair it or replace it, depending on the damage. With that in mind, the team at ESD LLC is here to discuss what you need to know about circuit breakers going bad.
How Do Circuit Breakers Work?
There are several different types of circuit breakers, but they all work the same way: they shut off electrical flow if the circuit overloads or there is a short circuit malfunction. This design prevents damage to your outlets and electrical devices in case of a power surge or electrical faults.
A typical circuit breaker can last about 30 to 40 years in ideal conditions, but its lifespan will heavily depend on usage and care. The more frequently your breakers trip, the faster they will wear out. Frequent use will cause circuit breaker parts to degrade faster, and they will eventually go bad.
Signs You Have a Bad Circuit Breaker
So, can circuit breakers go bad? The answer is yes, but how do you know when you have a bad one?
If you notice any of the following signs, consider contacting an expert to find a high-quality circuit breaker replacement for your home. Bad breakers are a safety hazard, so you need to replace them as soon as possible.
Trips for No Reason
Your circuit breaker will trip periodically over its lifespan, but if it starts tripping more than once a month, you should probably look into replacements. Damaged breakers can’t handle normal current levels, so they might start tripping randomly, even when there are no power surges or outages.
Old Age
As stated previously, a high-quality breaker can last upwards of 40 years. However, most residential electrical breakers will start showing signs of wear and tear after about 20 years. If your breaker is over 20 years old, you need to pay extra attention to it and be ready to replace it if it starts showing problems.
Flickering Lights
Flickering lights are another tell-tale sign that your circuit breaker is on the fritz. Flickering lights mean your circuit can’t handle sufficient current and keeps dropping electrical flow. If the problem isn’t a broken breaker, then it might be a loose wire or connector.
Sparks/Smoke
If you notice sparks or smoke coming from your electrical box, turn off the power to the circuit as soon as you can. Damaged breakers can get too hot and will start to melt the insulation around the wiring. Burning insulation is dangerous and can cause a serious electrical fire if you are not careful.
Find Quality Electrical Products and Equipment
If you have any more questions like, “Can circuit breakers go bad?” contact ESD online or give us a call today at (425) 419-4167 to discuss our circuit breaker product inventory.