Your circuit breaker is an important part of your home’s electrical system. If something goes wrong with your system, the circuit breaker shuts it off to protect it from an overload or short circuit. However, like every other part of your home, it’ll eventually need an upgrade. But how can you tell when your circuit breaker can benefit from an upgrade? Wave Electric can help you recognize the signs that you should get a circuit breaker upgrade in New Jersey.
Here are seven signs you should get a circuit breaker upgrade in New Jersey:
Frequent tripping
An early sign that your circuit breaker needs upgrading is if it trips up frequently. Circuits trip in order to prevent damage from dangerous electrical overloads. However, if a specific circuit is tripping frequently, it may be a sign of a bigger issue. You should consult with one of our electricians to find out what the exact issue is.
Heated components
If you touch any surface in your electrical panel, they should all be around the same temperature. However, if a circuit is failing, it and the area around it can become hot to the touch. If you get any warmness from your circuit breaker, call an emergency electrician before you reset the breaker.
Inexplicable tripping
You can generally expect the breaker to trip when you put a lot of pressure on a circuit. However, sometimes it might just trip despite not being overloaded at all. These kinds of trips hint that you have a bad breaker.
Evidence of electrical fires
When electricity isn’t properly grounded and contained, sparks can fly as electricity jumps between components. If an issue like this is causing your circuit breaker to trip, you might notice singe marks on your breaker or acrid smells. Be cautious about resetting the panel and call Wave Electric as soon as you can.
Difficulty resetting
Circuit breakers work similarly to light switches in that they have an on and off position. When resetting a circuit, you just have to flick the switch from off to on. However, if there’s a problem, it might flick back immediately, stay in the center, or refuse to budge from the off position. Whatever it’s doing, it’s a good reason to call one of our electricians.
Old or damaged wiring
As wiring gets older or damaged, you may start seeing some worrying signs around your home. Lights might flicker, plugging in appliances may result in an electric shock, or you might smell burning around your appliances. All of these are signs you should call someone before your home is seriously damaged.
Using fuses instead of a circuit breaker
If you live in an older home, your home may use fuses instead of circuit breakers. Fuses were in use when homes used a lot less energy than they do today. Because of this, fuses aren’t as safe as circuit breakers and should be replaced as soon as you can.
Why is Wave Electric the best choice for upgrading my circuit breaker?
Wave Electric has been providing high-quality electrical work for over 30 years. Our company offers fair and up-front pricing to ensure there are no unpleasant surprises. We also offer professionalism on all levels as well as fully-licensed and trained professionals who can handle any electrical problem. If you’re looking for someone who can do a circuit breaker upgrade in New Jersey, make Wave Electric your top choice!
Financing Is Available