Top Questions About Circuit Breakers Answered

Circuit breakers are unsung heroes of your home’s electrical system and keep your property and family safe from electrical hazards. Despite the pivotal role they play, it’s easy to overlook how circuit breakers work behind the scenes and when they need attention to keep functioning safely.

The Norwood and Newton, MA electricians at Castle Electric are here to shed light on some of the most common questions about circuit breakers and how to keep your home’s electrical system running safely and efficiently.

Read on to learn more or simply reach out to our experts with any further questions or to schedule service!

What Does a Circuit Breaker Do?

A circuit breaker acts as your property’s first line of defense against electrical overloads. It helps monitor the flow of your electricity and cuts off power whenever there’s a problem. Whether there’s an overloaded circuit or a short, a circuit breaker protects from electrical fires or damage to appliances. These simple yet powerful devices keep your system safe and provide peace of mind while you go about your day.

Why Do Breakers Trip?

A tripped circuit breaker is a sign that something is amiss. Here are some of the most common reasons this happens:

1. Overloaded Circuits: If too many devices, appliances, and home systems are drawing power from the same circuit, they can exceed the breaker’s capacity and cause it to trip and shut off. 
2. Short Circuits: When a hot wire touches a neutral wire, it creates a surge of electricity that the circuit breaker will stop.
3. Ground Faults: Similar to a short circuit, a ground fault occurs when a hot wire touches a ground wire or a grounded part of your electrical system.

When your circuit breakers trip frequently, it could be a sign your panel needs attention from a qualified electrician in Norwood, MA or Newton, MA. Give the team at Castle Electric a call, and we’ll come out to assess what’s going on, expand your electrical panel, update your wiring, or replace old circuits and outlets to make sure your property is safe.

How to Reset a Tripped Breaker Safely

Resetting a breaker is simple and straightforward, but it’s important to follow a few steps to avoid further issues:

1. Locate your breaker panel, which is usually in the utility room, basement, or garage.
2. Identify the breaker that’s in the “off” or “tripped” position. It may look like it’s out of alignment with the rest of your breakers. You can also lightly run your fingers over the circuits to feel which one is loose and out of alignment.
3. Turn the breaker fully to the “off” position before switching it back to “on.”
4. Test the circuit to check that everything is working properly.

If the breaker trips again right away, give our team at Castle Electric a call right away. A circuit breaker that keeps tripping usually means there’s a bigger problem that needs a professional electrician.

When to Replace or Upgrade Your Breaker Panel

Circuit breakers are durable and ready to rise to the challenge, but just like any component, they can wear out over time. Our electricians are here to share some signs that it might be time to replace your breaker panel or upgrade your breaker panel:

• Frequent Tripping: When your circuit breakers are constantly tripping and shutting off, your panel is probably struggling to handle your home’s electrical load.
• Flickering Lights: You may have outdated wiring or an overloaded panel that needs a professional upgrade.
• Burning Smells: If you notice any odd odors, especially burning smells, near your breaker box, you need an electrician to come out right away. 
• Home Renovations: You may need an electrical panel upgrade to handle the increased demand of adding major appliances, devices, and smart gadgets. 

Scheduling an electrical panel upgrade in Newton, MA or Norwood, MA keeps your home safe and your electrical system running efficiently. We’ll make sure your electrical system meets all of your current household needs to keep your property safe.

Call Castle Electric for All Your Circuit Breaker Needs

Your circuit breakers work behind the scenes to keep your home safe, but they need periodic attention and care to do their job right. Stay proactive about your safety with an electrical inspection, panel upgrade, circuit breaker repair, wiring help, and more.

The team at Castle Electric offers electrical service in Newton, MA, Norwood, MA and beyond to ensure your home’s electrical system operates smoothly and safely.

Schedule your appointment today!

Learn More About Electrical Panels & Upgrades in Newton and Beyond!

Check out our blog posts below for some helpful info, expert tips and more!

• What Is an Electrical Service Upgrade and When Should You Consider One?
• 5 Common Mistakes Homeowners Make When Upgrading Their Electrical Panel
• Is Your Electrical Panel Safe? How to Identify Hazards and When to Call an Electrician
• Electrical Panel Upgrade Costs: What to Expect and How to Budget