By Elizabeth Samson 
A circuit breaker is a safety device designed to protect an electrical circuit from damage caused by overload or short circuits. They’re installed in the electrical panel of your Houston, Texas home or business to protect each electrical circuit individually. They don’t last forever, so to keep you electrical system working properly you’ll need to inspect an replace these beakers from time to time. If you don’t have experience dealing with your electrical panel box, speak to a local Texas licensed Houston Electrician to make sure everything is maintained per code. Its main purposes are:
1. Prevent Electrical Overloads: If too much current flows through a circuit (e.g., when too many appliances are connected), the breaker automatically cuts off the power to prevent overheating, which can cause fires.
2. Interrupt Short Circuits: When a short circuit occurs, the breaker trips to stop the flow of electricity, protecting the wiring and appliances from damage.
3. Protect Equipment and People: By cutting off the electrical current in unsafe conditions, a circuit breaker helps prevent equipment damage and reduces the risk of electric shock or fire.
Once it trips, it can be reset manually after addressing the issue. But what if it doesn’t reset properly after doing a manual reset? Here are some signs that an electrical circuit breaker might be malfunctioning and could need replacement:
1. Frequent Tripping: If a breaker trips frequently even when there isn’t an overload or obvious issue, it may be wearing out and not functioning properly. Speaking with an electrician in the Houston, TX area will easily diagnose the issue and offer expert solutions.
2. Burning Smell: A burning odor near the electrical panel could indicate overheating or internal damage within the breaker. Definitely call a Texas licensed electrician to get this repaired ASAP.
3. Physical Damage: Visible signs of wear, corrosion, burn marks, or melting around the breaker or panel are red flags.
4. Breaker Won’t Stay Reset: If the breaker trips immediately after being reset, even without an overload, it might be faulty.
5. Hot to the Touch: A circuit breaker that feels unusually hot could be malfunctioning or carrying too much current, a potential fire hazard.
6. Flickering Lights or Appliances: If you notice flickering lights or appliances not working correctly, it could be a sign of a weak or damaged breaker.
If you observe any of these signs, it’s a good idea to have a licensed electrician in Houston, TX inspect the panel to determine if the breaker needs to be replaced. When it comes to replacing an electrical circuit breaker, especially for your home or business in Houston, it is generally safer and more advisable to hire a licensed electrician. Here’s why:
1. Safety:
– Working with electricity can be extremely dangerous, especially if you’re not familiar with electrical systems. A wrong move can result in severe shocks, electrocution, or fire hazards.
– Houston, Texas Electricians are trained to safely handle these tasks, ensuring that the work is done in a safe and compliant manner.
2. Code Compliance:
– Electrical work in Houston must comply with local building codes and regulations. Licensed electricians are familiar with these codes and can ensure that the replacement is done correctly and legally.
– If work is not up to code, it can lead to issues with home inspections, insurance claims, or even legal liability in the future.
3. Diagnosing Underlying Issues:
– If your breaker is malfunctioning, the issue might not just be with the breaker itself. A licensed Houston electrician can identify if there’s a deeper electrical issue, such as faulty wiring or improper load distribution.
4. Experience and Tools:
– Licensed electricians in Houston have the necessary tools, expertise, and experience to perform the job efficiently and correctly. They can also ensure that the breaker panel is properly balanced and that no other hazards exist.
5. Permits and Insurance:
– For some electrical work, permits may be required. Licensed electricians can obtain these permits and ensure the work is properly documented.
– Additionally, if something goes wrong with DIY electrical work, it may void your insurance coverage. Hiring a licensed Houston electrician helps protect you in case of any future issues.
While it might be tempting to try to replace the breaker yourself to save money, the risks involved usually outweigh the cost savings. For peace of mind and safety, it’s better to hire a licensed electricians in Houston for this task.