Knowing when to call for circuit breaker replacement instead of just resetting the switch can be confusing.
Some electrical problems can’t be fixed with a simple trick! In general, you’ll want to call South Sound Electrical, LLC when:
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Your circuit breaker trips constantly, even after being reset
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The circuit breaker is hot to the touch
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You can smell burning from the breaker panel
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You can see visible damage, such as burned metal or frayed wires
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You can hear buzzing, hissing, or popping noises from the breakers
If you notice any signs of damage on any of the circuit breakers in your home or building, it’s important to call South Sound Electrical as soon as possible. Circuit breakers that are not properly maintained will not be able to protect your home from power surges and can also develop a severe risk of arcing or faulting. This can result in heat and sparks that can cause fatal electric shocks or electrical fires!
Pay special attention to any low buzzing, hissing, or popping noises coming from any of the breakers. These may indicate an arc fault and are a sure sign you need circuit breaker replacement. If you’re concerned about arc faults, call South Sound Electrical, LLC can also install an interrupter that will shut down the circuit if it detects an arc fault.
What to Do if a Circuit Breaker Constantly Trips
If you have a circuit breaker that constantly trips, you probably have an overloaded circuit. This often happens when appliances that use a lot of energy, including flat screen TVs, hair dryers, and space heaters, are all on the same circuit (even if they’re plugged into different outlets). If you have circuits that are constantly tripping, figure out which outlets they control and move one or more of the devices to a new outlet on a different circuit. If this doesn’t fix the problem, call South Sound Electrical, LLC — there’s a chance you have a short or a ground fault.
Double-Tapped Circuit Breakers
One of the most common electrical defects inspectors find in homes and buildings is double tapped circuit breakers. Fortunately, they’re rarely serious and easy to fix! Double tapping refers to when two wires are connected to the same screw or terminal in the electrical panel. Double tapping is fine if the breaker is designed for two wires. It gets to be a problem, however, when the breaker is designed for only one. In this case, the wires could become loose and overheat, arc, and possibly ignite!