Circuit breakers are an essential part of your home's electrical system. They're designed to protect your home from electrical fires and other hazards by interrupting the flow of electricity when there's a problem.
If a circuit breaker is tripped, you can reset it. But if it malfunctions, you'll need to get a professional to take a look at it. The expert team at Titan Plumbing And Electric can help you examine your circuit breaker.
When it comes to faulty circuit breakers, you have two options: repair or replace. But which is best for you? Here's a look at the pros and cons of each option to help you make the best decision for your home.
How to Replace Your Circuit Breaker
When it comes to replacing your circuit breaker, there's a laid-down procedure that you have to follow. While ensuring to stay safe, it is important to do it right the first time.
When replacing a household circuit breaker with a regular two-pull main breaker and branch circuit components, start by turning off all the branch circuit breakers. After that, turn off the main circuit breaker. To ensure that the breaker panel is off, check for voltage on adjacent breakers.
Next, remove the panel cover. Now you have access to the branch circuit breakers. Do not remove the cover to the main circuit breaker compartment. Only a certified electrician should do that.
To remove the circuit breaker, unscrew it from the panel and disconnect the wires. Make a note of which wire goes where so you can connect the new breaker in the same way. Install the new breaker and screw it into place.
After that, reconnect the wires to the new breaker. Check other branch circuits for proper installation and tighten any loose parts. Finally, put the panel cover back on and turn on the main circuit breaker. Once that's done, you can turn on the branch circuit breakers.
Should I Get a Professional to Replace my Circuit Breaker?
If you want to maintain the safety of your circuit breaker, you should hire a pro to install it. Since the power supply runs through the circuit breaker, there's a risk of electrocution if you don't know what you're doing.
A certified electrician will have the knowledge and experience to safely install your new circuit breaker. They'll also be able to properly test it to make sure it's working correctly.
A poorly installed circuit breaker can cause fires and other hazards. To avoid putting your family in harm's way, it's best to leave it to the professionals. Expert electricians at Titan Plumbing And Electric are friendly, reliable, and always up for the job. They also always get it right the first time.
With a new circuit breaker in place, you can be sure your home is safe and your electrical system is working properly. Your electrical appliances, computers and electronics are also protected from electrical surges.
Even if there's an electrical overload, a new breaker will prevent fires by quickly shutting off the power. So, if you're not sure whether to repair or replace your circuit breaker panel, contact Titan Plumbing And Electric. Our experts will help you make the best decision for your property.
Thinking Things Through
Electrical system failures can occur when you least expect them. Even if your home is new, improper installation, wear and tear, or faulty wiring can result in a failure. To avoid this, always hire a certified electrician to do any work on your electrical system.
Titan Plumbing And Electric is the leading provider of plumbing and electrical services in the area. We have a team of highly trained and experienced professionals who are always up for the job. We're also licensed, bonded, and insured for your protection.
An electrical breaker panel houses vital safety features that protect your home from circuit overload, fires and power surges. It directs power into your home and keeps your household safe if it's properly wired.
It is important that the technician you get for the job is licensed, insured and bonded. They should also be registered with your city and municipality.
Electrical jobs can vary in degree and complexity. You may need an electrician for a new circuit breaker system installation or just to replace a blown circuit breaker panel fuse. Whatever it is, it's safer to hire an expert. If your circuit trips frequently, it's probably because it can't handle your home's HVAC system, appliances and other equipment.
Also, when too much current gets to your breaker, it trips to protect your home. All these problems can be resolved by a qualified and experienced electrician.
How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Circuit Breaker Panel?
Depending on the amperage of your home's electrical system, the price of a new breaker panel can range from $1,500 to $3,500.
An upgrade of 100-amps can cost$1,500 to $4,000. A 200-amp replacement for your
breaker box should cost between $3,000 and $5,000. While a 400-amp upgrade may set you back by as much as $2,000 to $4,000.
The average cost of a low-amp sub-panel is $1,000 to $2,000. Bear in mind that the final cost of your job will be affected by the number of circuits in your home and the required amperage.
In terms of time, a 200-amp upgrade may take about 8 to 10 hours. This includes a new panel with the main breaker, 10 circuit breakers, materials, and labor.
Top Reasons to Replace Your Circuit Breaker Panel
The center of your home's electrical system is your breaker box. If it fails for any reason, you should have it serviced by a professional as soon as possible. There are also other reasons why you may need to repair or replace certain parts of your electrical system. For instance, you are responsible for the cables between the structural mounts on your home and the service-entrance cable (SEC). If there are missing clamps or loose cables, you'll need to get a licensed electrician.
If there's a water leak in your home and water reaches your electrical panel, you'll need to have the entire system replaced by an expert. The same goes if your breaker box was damaged by a fire.
Things to Consider
There are several reasons why you may have to upgrade your electrical system.
- The panel feels warm.
- Your lights often flicker.
- Your home still has a fuse box.
- Your electrical panel gives off a smell.
- You have just remodeled.
- The breaker trips when you plug in your appliances.
- Your outlets make strange sounds.
Do You Own an Older Home?
If your home was built before 1950, it is likely that you do not have enough power to support the modern appliances and electronics that you use today. In this case, you will need to upgrade your electrical system.
You can start by replacing your fuse box with a circuit breaker panel. You may also need to add more outlets and install new wiring. These are all major projects that should be done by a licensed electrician.
These are high-risk jobs and you could seriously injure yourself or start a fire if you attempt to do them on your own. A professional contractor will have the experience and knowledge to get the job done quickly and safely. They also have parts you do not have access to and they are insured in case something goes wrong.
It's Safer to Hire a Professional Technician
While you can save money by doing some electrical work on your own, it's not worth the risk. If you are not experienced in electrical work, you could seriously injure yourself or start a fire. It's best to leave these jobs to the professionals.
A licensed electrician will do the job right and leave you and your family with peace of mind. Not to mention, they will be able to do the job much faster than you ever could.
Get a Licensed And Insured Electrician From Titan Plumbing And Electric
When you need electrical work done in your home, it's important to hire a licensed and insured electrician. Titan Plumbing And Electric is a trustworthy electrical service company that has been serving the community for over 25 years. We are licensed, bonded, and insured. We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all our work. Call us today at 813-933-8010 to schedule a free estimate.
