What is a Circuit Breaker?
A circuit breaker is a component designed to detect an electrical problem, such as an overload or short, and interrupt the current to prevent a fire or damage to your home’s wiring. Circuit breakers, which are contained inside a breaker box, have replaced traditional fuses in recent years. Whereas the wire contained inside a fuse will burn out, which disconnects the current, a circuit breaker will switch off. After the problem that caused the overload or short has been remedied, the circuit breaker can be switched back on to restore power. A blown fuse would have to be replaced.
What Causes a Circuit Breaker to Trip?
Each circuit breaker in your home’s circuit breaker box monitors the electrical current on an individual circuit. When a circuit breaker detects an electrical overload or short, it will switch off to prevent a fire or damage to the circuit. A tripped breaker can have several different causes.
Sometimes a circuit breaker will switch off if too many electrical appliances are running simultaneously. If a breaker trips, you can try to reset it as long as there are no signs of damage. See How to Reset a Circuit Breaker for help and be sure to observe the safety precautions included.
If you reset a circuit breaker and it continues to trip, call a licensed electrician to find the source of the problem. The breaker may be defective and need replacing. However, just because a breaker trips frequently, this doesn't always mean that it’s bad. It could be due to another type of electrical problem.
Before touching a breaker box, make sure your hands are dry and that your feet are on a dry surface. Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from sparks. Don’t attempt to disassemble your circuit breaker. Failure to take proper precautions and observe electrical codes when working with electrical components can result in fires, serious electrical shock or death. Call a licensed electrician if you see signs of damage to any electrical components.
Should I Replace a Circuit Breaker Myself?
Replacing an old circuit breaker is a job best handled by a licensed electrician and must only be done with the electricity disconnected. Doing so may require a permit and electrical codes must be strictly observed to guarantee the safety of your home and family.
Before replacing a breaker, an electrician will first inspect the circuit and test the breaker to ensure that it's the sole source of the problem. Afterward, they will shut off the power to the breaker box and install the appropriate breaker.
Even if you're experienced enough with electrical work to determine that a circuit breaker is the cause of your concern and choose to replace it yourself, it’s wise to have an electrician inspect the work after you’re done.
If your breaker box is functioning normally but is more than 10 years old, it’s a good idea to have an electrician inspect it as part of regular home maintenance and safety. An electrician may recommend replacing it to bring your electrical system up to code.