There are many reasons behind a circuit breaker fall, for example, circuit overload, power surge, short circuit, or any other electrical fault. It is good that your circuit breaker is tripping to protect your appliance successfully from a damaging electric fault.
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However,
if your breaker keeps tripping every time you use any
appliance, it could be one of the signs of a bad breaker. In that case,
you need to repair or replace the circuit breaker.
Bad breaker symptoms:
Burning Smell: Sometimes a breaker may generate a burning odor due to either its internal issue or external issue. Internal issues may arise because of its own trouble. If the cable connection to the breaker is not tightened properly, then the connection point will produce heat; as a result, the cable insulation will get burned; hence a burning smell could be observed.
Hot Breaker: The heat that produces a burning smell due to an internal issue also makes the breakers hot. If the contact resistance of the breaker becomes high, then heat would be produced as a result, and the heat would come out to the breaker body.
Breaker Trips Frequently: Frequently tripping a breaker is not a normal sign of a healthy breaker. The breaker tripping could be a result of a bad breaker or equipment fault.
Visibly Damaged Circuit Breaker: At the final stage of a faulty breaker, the outer body may be damaged or burnt. Easily you can identify the breaker by the burn black sign.
Buzzing or Humming Noise: Unusual sounds from the breaker box could indicate loose wiring or a failing breaker.
Age of the Circuit Breaker: Older breakers are more prone to failure, especially if they haven’t been inspected or maintained.
Dangers of a Bad Circuit Breaker
Ignoring a faulty circuit breaker can lead to:
Electrical Fires: A failing breaker may not trip when needed, allowing overheating and sparking that can ignite a fire.
Appliance Damage: Overloaded circuits can harm your expensive electronics and appliances.
Power Outages: Intermittent power loss due to a faulty breaker can disrupt daily life and pose safety risks.
Shock Hazards: Damaged wiring and breakers increase the risk of electrical shock.
How to check if your breaker is faulty?
How to tell if a breaker is bad?
If you suspect any breaker is faulty, you can confirm it by following sequential steps.
At first, you need to trace out the downstream circuit of the tripping breaker. Identify all the load appliances running under the breaker. With the help of electric panel drawing, you can do this within a few minutes.
Keep the breaker switch off and unplug all the devices from the circuit. In this way, you can identify if there is any faulty appliance.
But if the breaker remains closed, there is a fault on the load side, either a cable fault or load/appliance. You have to find out that fault.
You can easily measure the load amps through the breaker by using a clamp meter. If the ampere value is more than the circuit breaker rated capacity, then it is not the breaker's fault. It indicates that your breaker is healthy.
Why do you need to identify the bad breaker?
An electrical malfunction can be the reason for damaging your electric wiring and sometimes the breakdown of equipment. Even it can start an electric fire in worse condition. An intact, healthy, and properly functioning circuit breaker can prevent your home from any kind of electrical accidents by tripping down and stopping the current from reaching the load appliance in case of a load-side fault incident.
A faulty circuit breaker can't perform this task effectively; as a result, your house and equipment can be the victim of an electrical fire. Therefore, you must know when your breaker is not working and take appropriate action immediately.
What to Do If You Suspect a Bad Circuit Breaker
Turn Off Affected Circuits: If you notice signs of a bad breaker, turn off the affected circuits and avoid using them until inspected.
Inspect for Visible Damage: Look for any scorch marks, corrosion, or damage on the breaker panel.
Call a Licensed Electrician: Diagnosing and replacing a circuit breaker requires expertise. Contact a professional to ensure the issue is resolved safely.
Regular Maintenance: Schedule routine inspections of your electrical system to catch problems early and extend the life of your breakers.
What should you do if the breaker becomes faulty?
Undoubtedly it is high time to replace your circuit breaker if it's not working correctly. However, firstly you should switch off the power corresponding to that faulty breaker to avoid any catastrophic electric accident. This will prevent the damage of your equipment also.
It
is recommended to call a certified electrician for replacing the
breaker if you are not skilled enough to do that job confidently.
Otherwise, it can be harmful for you to perform that activity.
How to Prevent Circuit Breaker Issues?
Avoid Overloading Circuits: Distribute electrical load evenly across your home’s circuits.
Upgrade Old Panels: If your home’s electrical system is outdated, consider upgrading to modern panels that can handle today’s power demands.
Protect Against Moisture: Keep the breaker panel dry to prevent corrosion and electrical hazards.
Final thoughts
A bad circuit breaker is not just a minor inconvenience—it’s a potential safety hazard that requires immediate attention. By recognizing the warning signs and taking proactive measures, you can protect your home and loved ones from the dangers of electrical failures. Always prioritize safety and consult a professional electrician if you suspect any issues with your circuit breaker.
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