Circuit Breaker Repair

A circuit breaker is a safety device. When it trips, it means something is wrong. It could be a simple overload, meaning you have too many things running on the same circuit. It could be a short circuit, where a hot wire is touching a neutral wire. It could be a ground fault, where a hot wire is touching a grounded surface. Or the breaker itself could be old or faulty and need to be replaced.

If a breaker trips occasionally, it may not be a big concern. But if it trips often or will not reset at all, there is a problem that needs to be addressed. Here is how we handle it.

First, we find out what is on the circuit. We ask you what is connected to it and whether anything changed recently. Did you add a new appliance? Did you plug in something that draws a lot of power? This information helps us narrow down the cause.

Next, we test the circuit. We use specialized tools to check for shorts, ground faults, and overloads. We measure the current draw to see if the circuit is overloaded. We check the wiring for damage. We inspect the breaker itself for signs of wear or failure.

Once we know the cause, we explain it to you and give you options. If the circuit is overloaded, you may need to move some devices to another circuit or add a new circuit. If there is a short or ground fault, we trace it and repair the damaged wiring. If the breaker is bad, we replace it with a new one of the correct size and type.

Some people try to solve the problem by replacing a tripping breaker with a bigger one. That is dangerous and against code. The breaker size is matched to the wire size. If you put a bigger breaker on a circuit with small wires, the wires can overheat and start a fire before the breaker trips. Never put a bigger breaker on a circuit without checking the wire size first.

If you have a breaker that is giving you trouble, call us. We will figure out what is going on and fix it the right way.

Ground fault circuit interrupters, or GFCIs, are a special type of breaker or outlet that protects against shock. They are required in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor areas. If a GFCI breaker trips, it may be because there is a ground fault somewhere on the circuit. This could be caused by a damaged appliance, moisture in an outlet box, or a wiring problem. We can find the source of the problem and fix it.

Arc fault circuit interrupters, or AFCIs, are another type of safety device. They detect arcing in the wiring, which can be caused by damaged wires or loose connections. AFCIs are required in bedrooms and many other areas of the home. If an AFCI breaker trips, it may indicate a wiring problem that needs attention.

If you are having trouble with breakers, it is important to address it promptly. A breaker that trips frequently is not just an inconvenience. It is a sign that something is wrong with your electrical system. Ignoring it could lead to damage to your appliances, overheating of wires, or a fire. Call us when you first notice a problem, and we will take care of it before it gets worse.

We also recommend having your electrical panel inspected if you are experiencing frequent breaker trips. The problem may not be with the individual breakers but with the panel itself. An old panel can develop issues that cause breakers to malfunction. If your panel is more than 20 years old, it may be time for an upgrade. A new panel with modern breakers will provide better protection for your home and reduce the likelihood of nuisance tripping.