Tripping Breakers: When To Update Your Electrical Panel

Today, while replacing an electrical panel in a Minneapolis condo, I found myself pondering the frustration that comes with dealing with tripping breakers. It's tempting to just keep resetting the breaker and move on, but that's not always the best idea.

Here's why...

• Safety Hazard: A tripping breaker is often a sign of an underlying issue, such as an overloaded circuit or a short circuit. Overload occurs when too many electrical devices are connected to a single circuit, leading to overheating. Short circuits, on the other hand, can be caused by damaged insulation or loose wiring and can potentially spark fires.

• Equipment Damage: Repeatedly resetting a breaker can cause damage to the breaker itself, as well as to the electrical appliances and devices connected to the circuit. This can result in costly repairs or replacements.

• Outdated Equipment: Current codes require arc fault and ground fault protection. Arc fault protection prevents property fires and ground fault protection prevents injuries to people. Updated breakers offer the highest level of protection available.

• Federal Pacific Electrical Panels: It's important to note that Federal Pacific Electrical Panels are notorious for breaker malfunctions and fires. If you have one, it's crucial to seek out options for replacement with up-to-date circuit breakers.

What's the solution? Instead of repeatedly resetting the breaker, it's important to identify and address the underlying issue. If you're experiencing frequent breaker trips, it's best to consult with a professional electrician to address the issue properly and get your panel up to code.

Let me know if there's anything I can do to help! Follow me for more electrical tips!