How to Tell If a Circuit Breaker is Bad in Just 3 Steps?

How to Tell If a Circuit Breaker is Bad?

Like all things, circuit breakers wear out over time. It’s critical that you recognize bad circuit breaker symptoms to prevent sudden electrical mishaps. So, continue reading this detailed guide on circuit breakers to learn how to recognize when their lifespan is coming to an end. 

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Tell If a Circuit Breaker is Bad?

Now, in order to tell if a circuit breaker is bad, I’ve made a simplified manual that can help guide you through your probing.

Step 1. Unplug all connected electronics

As a general tip, it is recommended that you first remove all electronics connected to a circuit that you’re about to tamper with. However, if you're aware, then you can just specifically remove any appliances connected to the certain circuit you’re about to test.

If you're unsure about the specific breaker’s circuit, then I implore that you unplug all electronics in the general vicinity of your working area. This is done mainly to prevent surging, which could damage your electronics and also shock you accidentally.

Step 2. Remove the Breaker Panel

Don't forget to wear your electric safety gloves and check if you have all the necessary tools before you start working on this electric project.

Now, remove the panel covering the expanse of the entire breaker system. Depending on your home’s set-up, your breaker cover might be held together by screws or a handheld lock.

Either way, take utmost care in removing the panel, as you don’t want to accidentally drop and damage it.

Step 3. Probe with Multimeter

Now, prepare your multimeter as you now will begin probing whether your circuit breaker is bad.

Carefully connect the black wire to the "COM" slot of the multimeter, while you connect the red wire to the slot labeled with the letter V and Omega symbol (Ω). This way, your multimeter will correctly read the circuit breaker's voltage.

Carefully connect the testing tip of the red wire to the screw adjacently holding each individual breaker handle. Meanwhile, hold the tip of the black wire to the neutral bar of the circuit breaker.

The neutral bar I've mentioned can be seen beside the breaker handles themselves. They’re easily visible, so you won’t have much trouble finding them.

Be mindful while you're probing each breaker individually. Make sure that your skin doesn’t contact any of the metal parts of the circuit panel while you’re conducting your test, as you might get accidentally shocked.

This facilitates the multimeter to read the total voltage capacity of the circuit breaker. Depending on the specifications of the breaker itself, your multimeter reading should be around 120 – 250 V, depending on whether it is a single-pole or double-pole breaker.

However, if your voltage reading is zero, then you may want to urgently replace the affected circuit breaker. A zero reading means that the breaker is faulty, and may cause untoward electric accidents if left unchecked.

What Are The Noticeable Signs Of A Bad Circuit Breaker?

Bad circuit breakers exhibit several noticeable signs, including the following signs:

Physical Visible Damage

You may notice scorch marks flanking your circuit breaker, outlets, or other electrical appliances. These marks mean that the electrical wiring in your home is melted and failing and can indicate serious issues with your electrical panel. 

Melted wiring is hazardous and can cause a catastrophic fire, so if you notice damage near your circuit breaker, outlets, or electrical appliances, call an electrician immediately. While you wait, unplug all fixtures drawing from that particular circuit breaker. 

Breakers Tripping Frequently

Frequently tripping breakers is another classic sign of a bad circuit breaker. If the breaker trips almost every time you turn on an electrical appliance, you may be dealing with an old, outdated breaker. 

Circuit breakers trip when things are drawing too much power from it. For example, let’s say you have a few outlets in your kitchen drawing from the same breaker. You plug in the coffee machine, toaster, griddle, and kettle. The microwave may also be drawing from the same breaker. You may overload the breaker, causing it to trip. 

If you notice that your breakers trip often, even if you only plug in a single appliance, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with a faulty breaker or need to add a circuit to your home. An electrician can determine if a circuit breaker replacement is necessary or if you need an additional circuit in your home. 

Breaker Will Not Remain Reset

Routinely resetting your circuit breaker is another sign of a bad device. You may notice that you frequently need to reset the device. This can indicate circuit breaker failure, such as short-circuiting. 

Ensure you call in an electrician to examine the entire circuit. It’s critical to have an electrician check for dangerous issues that may arise due to a breaker that won't remain reset. 

Burning Smell in the Electrical Panel

A burning odor emanating from the electrical panel is a telltale indicator of a faulty circuit breaker. The smell is likely due to overheating wiring and insulation running from the panel. If you notice this, shut off the main power to the house immediately and call an electrician for emergency service. 

Breaker Has Old Age

Like all things, circuit breakers wear out over time. While these devices generally last for several decades, they eventually fail. It’s good to have an electrician handle routine inspections to check for wear and tear. Call an electrician if you haven’t had your breaker checked in the past ten years. They can check for signs of failure or general wear. 

Breaker Gets Excessively Hot

Excessive heat radiating from the breaker can also indicate a faulty device. If you notice the breaker feels hot to the touch, turn off the main power to your home immediately. Call in an electrician for emergency service. 

The circuit breaker may not be the only thing heating up. A dimmer switch in the house may also be suffering the same plight. 

How Long Do Circuit Breakers Last?

Electrical experts say circuit breakers generally last about 30 to 40 years. However, other experts estimate their lifespan to be about 15 to 20 years. The drastic differences in circuit breaker lifespans are primarily due to the storage conditions of the electrical devices. It also varies by brand, model, and amount of use. 

Additionally, the type of circuit breaker also plays a role in the device's longevity. For example, Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) or Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI) last around 15 to 20 years. 

What Should You Do If A Circuit Breaker Is Bad?

If you notice your circuit breaker is exhibiting telltale signs of failure, you need to replace it. Circuit breakers aren’t supposed to be in service past their prime. If they do, then potentially catastrophic problems may arise. 

That is why once you determine the circuit breaker is bad, you should put in a new one. Call a professional electrician to handle the replacement process if you aren’t comfortable doing so. However, if you plan on completing the process yourself, you need to purchase a suitable replacement. 

Ensure that you purchase a replacement that meets the current rating, voltage, and so on. Generally, circuit breakers feature markings stamped on them that tell you what kind of breaker you need for installation in the particular panel.

Bokong Electric offers a variety of circuit breakers to replace faulty or old devices. Once you determine the type of breaker you need, visit Bokong Electric for your circuit breaker replacement. Contact us for further professional assistance.