Circuit breakers are simply electrical switches that safeguard the circuit against damage from current overload or short circuits. Circuit Breakers are essential in the modern world as it is a critical safety mechanism within the home. A circuit breaker works differently from a fuse that has a single use and ought to be replaced once used, however, for circuit breakers these are components that can be reset. Circuit breakers can be reset either automatically or manually to resume normal operation. Will the circuit breaker prevent fire? The circuit breaker works by cutting off the flow of electricity to one’s home to prevent overheating. The basic function of circuit breakers is to interrupt current flow to safeguard equipment to prevent fire risk.

Why circuit breaker trips? When an electric circuit experiences an overload or a short circuit it is best practice to interrupt the current. Consequently, to safeguard circuits against short circuit electrical circuit breakers can be used. A short circuit refers to a situation where a low-resistance electricity flow path develops accidentally. An instance of a short circuit may occur when two wires are in close contact with one another and electrical current starts to flow along a different path from that of the circuit. The existence of a short circuit can be a potentially dangerous situation particularly when a significantly large amount of electric current flows through components that are not designed for that particular current.

Circuit Breaker

When the circuit breaker trips, this arises when the internal sensors become overheated and the breaker in turn shuts off power to prevent further overheating. In instances when the circuit trips, it is likely overloaded with numerous appliances. One can ask, can electrical circuit breakers go bad? The answer is simply YES! Circuit breakers can go bad. Although circuit breakers can go bad, at times individuals may readily go to change a circuit breaker without determining effectively whether or not the circuit breaker has a problem. Therefore, it is important to make sure that the circuit breaker has gone bad.

How to Tell If a Circuit Breaker Is Bad

It is important to test a circuit breaker to make sure it is working properly. The safest way to test a circuit breaker is by use of a multimeter. 

Checking if a circuit breaker has gone bad:

• Identify the circuit that is causing the problem: The initial order of business is to identify the circuit tripping the circuit breaker as it is trying to protect. To identify the circuit this is done by looking at the label assigned next to the circuit under investigation.

• Unplug all devices plugged into that circuit: it is vital to ensure to unplug all the devices using that particular circuit breaker.

• Reset the circuit breaker: The circuit breaker can be reset and can be clicked “on” or “off”. In the instance when the circuit breaker doesn’t immediately trip it is probably overloaded this may indicate that the circuit is overloaded. 

Determine if a circuit breaker is bad:

• Symptoms of a failed circuit breaker: Frequent tripping indicates that the breaker is constantly shutting off the electrical circuit it is protecting. Another indicator that a circuit breaker has an issue is when it starts producing a spark and producing a burning odour or its failure to reset. 

• Testing the Circuit Breaker: Determining whether or not a circuit breaker has failed it is important to undertake a simple test such as unplugging all devices connected to the circuit in question. In the instance when the breaker trips immediately after resetting the breaker fails. In the case when the breaker does not trip, probably the circuit was overloaded, thus some devices may be required to move to a different circuit.  

• Conducting a Voltage Test: Testing a circuit breaker may require a voltage test by means of a voltage tester. The voltage test is carried out at the breaker to determine whether or not the breaker is getting power. In the instance, when there is no voltage at the breaker this indicates it is a failed breaker.

In instances when a circuit breaker can’t be reset the following measures ought to be carried out:

• One should ensure they are resetting the breaker properly: Proper steps ought to be taken to ensure that the appropriate switch is being flipped. The breaker hand should be pushed firmly and fully to the off position and then back to the on position. 

• Check for evidence of an overloaded circuit: An overloaded circuit would reset immediately after a cool-down period and it trips again after a few minutes. In other instances, an overloaded circuit may be due to heavy loads that are plugged into outlets or receptacles on a particular circuit. In most cases, overloaded circuits can be found in bathrooms and older kitchens. To troubleshoot because of the overload everything should be unplugged and the breaker reset then everything should be plugged in one by one. 

• Check for a short circuit: A short circuit is another instance when the circuit breaker may not reset in such a situation this may be a short circuit. A short circuit arises when a hot wire carrying a current touches a neutral wire. A short circuit may result in broken appliances, fire hazards, and even overheating. When one suspects a short circuit it is vital to call a licensed electrician.  

• Check for a faulty breaker: Although this is usually not likely the circuit breaker itself can be faulty, in such a situation it is vital to contact a licensed electrician for assistance.