The circuit breaker is one of the main components of your electrical system and needs to be maintained well to ensure that it’s reliable and doesn’t put your safety at risk. Many of the homes in Modesto, California were built in the early 1900s and often have issues with circuit breakers that are old and have worn down. Here are a few common signs that your circuit breaker is defective and needs immediate attention to restore the operation of your electrical system.

1. Flickering and Blinking Lights

Circuit breakers are designed to last an average of 30 to 40 years, but they can start to develop issues once they reach the end of their lifespan. You may notice that the lights in your home begin to blink and flicker frequently, which can make it difficult to see clearly and perform various activities in the home. This indicates the circuit breaker is starting to perform poorly.

2. Frequent Need for Bulb Replacements

You may notice that your light bulbs have a tendency to burn out quickly and don’t last as long as expected, which can add up in cost over time. The bulbs are often overrated for the fixture when this occurs, but it can also be due to a bad circuit breaker, which can lead to a fire. Hire a professional from a company like The Electric Company in Modesto to install a new circuit breaker.

3. Burning Odors

You should never have burning smells that are lingering in your home; this could be a sign that your circuit breaker needs immediate attention. A professional will need to visit your property and take a look at the wiring in your circuit breaker to determine if this is the source of the issue.

4. Old Age

You don’t always need to have symptoms that you notice when your circuit breaker is defective and needs to be replaced. You can consider the age of the circuit breaker to determine if it’s no longer safe and reliable to use on your property. Once a circuit breaker reaches 10 to 15 years, it should be regularly inspected by a professional to determine if it’s still in good shape.

5. Issues With Appliances

You can start to have issues with your appliances, whether your washer stops working halfway through a cycle or your oven fails to heat to a certain temperature. This indicates that the circuit breaker may not be capable of delivering enough power to modern products.

Contact the team at The Electric Company in Modesto to learn more signs that your circuit breaker is defective. Our team can help replace the breaker and provide you with more information about our services.