How to tell if a circuit breaker is faulty

Circuit breaker problems are annoying to any homeowner. However, most homeowners also know that when your circuit breakers "trip" (or turn off automatically) they are actually doing so to protect you and to ensure that your electrical system is not overloaded. The downside is that circuit breakers sometimes don't work properly and you should be able to tell if your system has tripped or is actually faulty. So to answer the question simply, yes, circuit breakers are bad, in the way that any other essential home device can stop working as it should. That said, a faulty switch doesn't necessarily mean it needs to be replaced. A professional electrician will be able to inspect the situation and tell you exactly the steps required to restore the correct operation of the circuit breaker in no time.

If you are wondering if your circuit breaker has gone bad, there are a few signs you can look for that can help you determine if there really is a problem with your breaker. Read on to learn how to tell if your breaker has failed and remember to call Northampton Electrician expert electricians if you need a professional electrical repair or breaker replacement.

Do the circuit breakers fail?

1. Find out what your circuit breaker is protecting

When you go to your electrical panel to reset the system, check which switch handle appears to be misaligned. There should be a label attached to the switch that tells you what it controls. If the equipment seems to work properly after resetting the system, the circuit breaker is probably okay. If it still doesn't work properly, you may have a bigger problem on your hands.

2. Disconnect any electrical devices that could overload the circuit

Figuring out which particular circuit isn't working properly will also allow you to determine what you're using that circuit for. That circuit may simply be overloaded, in which case you will need to disconnect some of the electrical devices from its power supply. Try restarting the system after performing this operation and, if the circuit breaker still does not supply power, call a professional electrician to have the job repaired safely.

3. Listen to the click of the circuit breaker

One of the key elements to turning your circuit breaker on and off is the distinct "click" you should make to it when you push the switch. If the switch handle does not make noise, there is likely a problem. Remember, your circuit should take up to a minute to sprint after hearing that click. If there is no noise and the system shuts down immediately, it is likely that you are dealing with a short circuit or a bad switch and you will need to call an emergency electrician immediately.

Some things to consider:

You will need to note whether your circuit breaker trips immediately or not. If your circuit breaker trips immediately, then it's something that definitely requires immediate attention and professional help. This generally means that there is a problem with a faulty switch or a short circuit. On the other hand, your switch does not trip immediately, it usually means that your circuit is overloaded. In other words, there is more electricity moving through it than it can handle. You can try to solve this electrical problem yourself, by moving some of your electrical components to another circuit, so that the electricity flowing through each circuit is evenly divided.

Get electrical assistance

We strongly recommend that you undergo a professional electrical inspection to ensure your and your family's safety and identify any potential damage. Through an electrical inspection, team of experts will be able to thoroughly inspect any electrical problems you may have at home that you were not aware of. In this way, you will be able to prevent future damage and costly repairs, because professional electricians will be able to solve any problem with your home's electrical system at that time. Call Northampton Electrician Emergency Response at 01604986007.