5 Common Breaker Box Problems & How to Troubleshoot Them Yourself

Are you experiencing electrical issues in your home? It could be that your breaker box, also known as an electrical panel, is the culprit.

The breaker box plays a crucial role in distributing electricity throughout your home safely. However, like any other electrical component, it can encounter problems over time.

In this blog post, we’ll delve into the top five most common breaker box problems and how to troubleshoot them effectively.

Let’s begin –

How Does a Breaker Box Work?

Before we dive into the common issues, let’s understand the basic functioning of a breaker box.

A breaker box acts as the central hub that receives electricity from the utility company and distributes it to various circuits in your home. It contains circuit breakers or fuses that trip or blow when they detect an overload or short circuit, preventing electrical hazards like fires.

While modern breaker boxes are strong and sturdy, there are instances when they can break down or get damaged. It’s important to know how to spot breaker box problems before they can cause fire or electrical hazards.

The Most Common Electrical Panel Malfunctions:

• Electrical Overcrowding: One prevalent issue is electrical overcrowding within the breaker box. This occurs when too many circuits (Christmas Lights, for example) are added to the panel, exceeding its designed capacity. As a result, the breakers may trip frequently, or you might experience flickering lights and appliances not working correctly.

Troubleshooting Tip – To address this problem, consider redistributing the load by hiring a qualified electrician to install additional circuits or upgrading to a larger breaker box if necessary.

• Insufficient Capacity: Conversely, if your breaker box has insufficient capacity for your household’s electrical demands, it can lead to frequent tripping or even overheating of the breakers. This often happens in older homes with outdated electrical systems that weren’t designed to handle modern appliances and electronics.

Troubleshooting Tip – Upgrade your breaker box to a higher amperage rating to accommodate increased electrical loads safely. A professional electrician can assess your needs and recommend the appropriate solution.

• Rust, Corrosion, & Deterioration: Rust, corrosion, and deterioration can occur over time, especially in older breaker boxes or those installed in damp or humid environments. These issues can compromise the integrity of the electrical connections, leading to poor conductivity, overheating, and even electrical fires.

Troubleshooting Tip – Regularly inspect your breaker box for signs of rust, corrosion, or deterioration, such as discolored or charred components. If you notice any damage, contact a licensed electrician immediately for repairs or replacement.

• Outdated Electrical Equipment: Breaker boxes, like any electrical equipment, have a lifespan. If your breaker box is outdated or hasn’t been upgraded in several decades, it may no longer meet current safety standards or electrical code requirements. This can pose serious safety risks to your home and family.

Troubleshooting Tip – Consider upgrading your breaker box to a modern, code-compliant model with advanced safety features. A professional electrician can assess your current setup and recommend the best course of action.

• You Have a Federal Pacific Breaker Box (FPE): Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) breaker boxes were commonly installed in homes between the 1950s and 1980s. However, they gained notoriety for their defective design, which can fail to trip when overloaded, leading to electrical fires and other hazards.

Troubleshooting Tip – If you suspect you have an FPE breaker box, it’s crucial to replace it immediately with a safer alternative. Contact a master electrician to inspect your breaker box and recommend a suitable replacement.

Do You Need a Breaker Box Repair or Replacement?

When you experience a power outage or electrical fluctuation, you might need to get your breaker box repaired or even replaced entirely. However, you should not try to determine this on your own. If you mess with a potentially damaged breaker box without knowing what you’re doing, you can start a fire accidentally. Even worse, you might get electrocuted!

Calling an experienced and trustworthy electrician is the best way to handle breaker box problems. They can inspect your breaker box thoroughly and spot any issues such as faulty wiring, corrosion, or outdated components. A reliable electrician will know exactly how to solve any breaker box issues.

A breaker box repair will suffice for minor issues such as loose or damaged hot or neutral wires. However, you may need a replacement if:

• You have a 100-amp or weaker electrical weaker
• You have an old breaker box (20 years or older)
• Worn-out electrical components
• The breaker box has rust or corrosion
• You experience frequent power surges
• You’re renovating your home –

If you’re renovating a home, it may be a good idea to schedule an electrical inspection to see if a breaker replacement is necessary. Most home renovations include updating or modernizing, so you’ll probably be adding electrical devices or appliances. Replacing your breaker box with a 200-amp model prevents accidents and ensures your electrical panel can handle your power demands.

Schedule a Breaker Box Evaluation Today with a Master Electrician

To accurately diagnose and resolve breaker box problems, it’s best to enlist the expertise of a licensed and experienced electrician. A master electrician can conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your breaker box, identify any underlying issues, and recommend appropriate repairs or replacements to ensure the safety and efficiency of your electrical system.

Don’t wait until a minor electrical issue turns into a major safety hazard. Schedule a breaker box evaluation with a trusted electrician today to keep your home and family safe from electrical hazards.

Call A Phase Electric today at 832-990-4248 for more information about our electrical repair and replacement services.

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