How Do I Know If I Need to Upgrade My Circuit Breaker?
How to Tell When It’s Time to Upgrade Your Circuit Breaker instead of a circuit repair. Circuit breaker panels are extremely important devices in people’s homes. Even so, homeowners often neglect them. Check with us whether you need a circuit repair or an upgrade.
As a quick primer, electricity enters your residence through the circuit breaker. It then distributes the electric currents to different circuits.
On top of that, your circuit breaker can stop the flow of electricity if it detects a problem like an overload or a short circuit. As a result, it’s less likely that a fire would break out, and your home and all of its appliances would be protected from damage.
Given how crucial this apparatus is, you should replace it when necessary. And the following signs might let you know it’s time for a circuit breaker upgrade.
1. Your Breakers Trip Often
Do your circuit breakers — the switches that turn off your home’s power — keep tripping for no apparent reason? If so, it means they’re no longer functioning properly. Indeed, defective breakers can trip even when very little electricity is being used.
Tip from Melbourne Mister Sparky: If your circuit breakers are acting up, get a professional inspection before you replace your circuit breaker panel. That’s because something else might be causing this problem — faulty wiring, for instance.
2. Your Home Still Has a Fuse Box or Very Old Panel
In the 21st century, circuit breakers have considerably improved in terms of safety and reliability. Indeed, older panels are more likely to overheat or cause electric shocks.
Therefore, you should replace any circuit breaker panel that’s more than 25 years old. In particular, fuse boxes — which were being phased out as far back as the 1960s — should be upgraded as soon as possible.
Tip: Check your home insurance policy to see what it says about circuit breakers. If you don’t comply with these rules, you might face certain penalties. In some circumstances, your policy might even get voided.
3. You’ve Added New Appliances or Renovated
When a home is renovated or when new appliances are used, a whole household might need more amps. (An amp, short for “ampere,” is a standard unit for measuring electric current.) That’s because your circuit breaker might not be designed to handle your new amp requirements.
Tip: Modern homes generally need an electrical capacity of 200 amps, though some larger homes can require up to 400 amps. A professional could calculate your amp needs before giving you a circuit breaker panel upgrade.
4. You Smell Burning or Hear Buzzing From the Panel
Simply stated, an electrical panel should not make buzzing noises or emit burning odors. And various problems could cause those sounds and smells: loose connections, an overloaded circuit panel, melting insulation, overheating, and more.
If you notice any such issues, turn off your home’s main power and call an electrician immediately.
Tip: While buzzing sounds or burning smells might seem innocuous, they can indicate a serious danger — perhaps even an imminent fire. Thus, in such a situation, do not attempt circuit repair on your own.
5. You Rely on Extension Cords or Power Strips
Extension cords and power strips are usually fine as temporary solutions. But, if you’re relying on them permanently, it means you don’t have enough electrical outlets. And you might be consuming more electricity than your circuit breaker can handle.
Here’s the answer: Hire an electrician to add more outlets to your home and supply you with a circuit breaker panel replacement.
Tip: Even if you’re using power strips on a short-term basis, use them safely. That is, keep them in well-ventilated spots and away from moisture. And look for strips with a surge protection feature as well as internal circuit breakers.
6. Your Lights Flicker When You Use Appliances
If, say, your kitchen lights flicker or dim when you turn on your dishwasher or toaster, you have an electrical problem. Your appliances shouldn’t affect your lights.
In such a case, your circuit breaker may be overloaded. And you should call for a circuit replacement right away. Otherwise, this issue could lead to a fire.
Tip: Flickering lights can signify other irregularities as well, including fluctuating voltage levels. Once again, an electrician could figure it out for you.
7. You’re Selling or Buying an Older Home
If you’re selling an older house, a circuit breaker replacement could make it more marketable. It could even raise your home’s asking price.
Alternatively, if you’re buying an older house, this upgrade could make your new home safer, giving you extra peace of mind. Plus, your new circuit breaker would be ready for all the renovations, new appliances, and extra outlets that you have in mind.
Tip: An electrician might look at your new home’s circuit breaker and conclude that it’s in good shape, capable of handling all your planned electrical usage. In that case, you could get a new circuit breaker at a later date.
When in Doubt, Check It Out
You might have noticed a recurring theme in this article: Always have a pro inspect your circuit breaker.
After all, for the well-being of everyone in your home, your electrical system must work flawlessly. And trying to fix that system yourself, without expertise, could be very hazardous.
Fortunately, if you live in or near Melbourne, Fla., you can always call Melbourne Mister Sparky. Our electrical experts would be happy to provide you with an inspection and a circuit breaker panel upgrade anytime.
Our team members all have vast experience, and they’re all dedicated to first-rate workmanship and excellent customer service.
For an appointment, please contact us whenever you have a chance. As we like to say: “Don’t put up with any malarky, call Mister Sparky.”
With a top-notch circuit breaker replacement, you could rest easy and enjoy uninterrupted power for all your electrical needs. And that might really spark your interest.