Circuit Breaker Replacement
Are your lights flickering? Do you experience frequent power outages? Is your living space swamped with extension cords running across the rooms? It might be time to call a local electrician. A circuit breaker repair may resolve some of your issues, and a circuit breaker replacement can free you from that web of power strips throughout your home. Call Mr. Electric to learn more about circuit breaker repair and circuit breaker installation in Austin. We are happy to address common questions and concerns, and we can schedule a convenient appointment today. Our certified electricians are also prepared to dispatch to your location as soon as possible.
What is the Circuit Breaker Anyway?
If you are not familiar with the circuit breaker panel, also known as the electrical panel, it is a gray box usually found in the utility room or garage. Opening the lid of the electrical panel will unveil a few columns of switches, called circuit breakers.
The circuit breaker installation is a safety feature. Each switch, or circuit breaker, is assigned to a specific electrical circuit in your building. Whenever there is unusual electrical activity, such as a short circuit or power surge, in an electrical circuit, the respective circuit breaker will automatically ‘trip off,’ cutting off the electricity to that circuit.
To restore power to the circuit, you will have to visit the electrical panel and manually flip the switch back on. It’s important to note, however, that a circuit breaker that is frequently tripping OFF is likely broken. Constantly forcing the circuit breaker back on could do more harm than good!
How to Tell the Circuit Breaker is Faulty or Damaged
So, how do you know whether the circuit breaker is not working properly, or whether it is damaged or unsafe? In short, when is it time to call an experienced electrician to repair the circuit breaker?
It is recommended to schedule an electrical inspection once a year. During the inspection, the electrician will check and test the whole system, including the circuit breaker panel. Still, there are some tell-tale signs to look out for between appointments. Here are some concerning indicators:
