Every electrical device and appliance runs through a circuit breaker, and that includes your lighting and HVAC system. Smart building systems also use a breaker. Your commercial building cannot function without fully functioning circuit breakers. Routine electrical inspections often catch problems before they become major issues. A bad circuit breaker can still occur, and it often means a replacement.
How do you tell if a breaker is bad? Here are some signs to look for.

6 Signs You Have a Bad Circuit Breaker

Here are six common signs that indicate a bad breaker and that you need to call a commercial electrician.

It’s not easy to tell if a circuit breaker is bad. Sometimes it trips when too many appliances or devices are plugged in. Other times, it means the breaker is bad and needs replacing. Whether you need to add another breaker or replace a broken one, it’s a job for a professional electrical services company.

Circuit breakers are not designed to last for the life of the structure. The breakers will wear out over time and need replacing. Circuit breakers can also become outdated. They may not be able to supply the current needed for modern devices. Older circuit breakers also aren’t energy efficient. Having an electrician inspect the breakers every few years can prevent problems associated with older ones.

Older circuit breakers can start rusting and it interferes with current output. Other signs of damage, including burn and scorch marks, mean you need to call an emergency electrical services company. This type of damage often indicates a problem with the wiring. It’s also a sign of a potential fire hazard.

Whenever you smell a burning odor, turn off the appliance and call an electrician for an immediate visit. The odor is often the result of wires and insulating overheating.

A warm or hot circuit breaker box is often a sign the unit is starting to go bad. The best solution is to shut off the electrical power and call a professional electrician.

The reset mode is handy when a breaker suddenly trips. It usually happens when you plug an additional device into a crowded outlet. Pressing the reset button often resolves the problem, but it can be a temporary fix. If the breaker continues to trip it can indicate it is starting to go bad.

Circuit breakers wear out over time and need occasional replacing. There are times when it can also indicate a more serious electrical problem. If you have a bad circuit breaker it’s always a good idea to call a professional electrician.
To talk to one of our Electrical Service professionals about your potentially bad circuit breakers call us at 610-558-9773, or email [email protected].