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Like anything in your home, circuit breakers won’t last forever. On average, they’re good for 15 to 20 years. These devices can go bad due to mechanical wear and tear, corrosion, thermal stress, and manufacturing defects. If your circuit breakers trip repeatedly, can’t be reset after tripping, or show signs of damage, it’s time to call an electrical service to replace them.
But the question we often get from homeowners is: Is it possible to replace a circuit breaker without replacing the electrical panel? This guide answers this question and explains why you should call a local electrician in Fremont, CA when your electrical panel breaks down.
The short answer is YES, individual circuit breakers can be replaced without replacing the breaker panel as a whole. Breakers are designed to be modular and replaceable. Replacing a single faulty circuit breaker without replacing the entire panel lowers upfront costs and minimizes disruptions.
Replacing a single breaker is significantly less expensive than replacing the entire panel. However, if your panel is outdated or unable to handle your home’s electrical load, investing in a panel upgrade may save money in the long run by preventing recurring issues. Your breaker panel may start to show signs of inefficiency once it hits the 20-year mark. At this point, it’s best to consult with a local electrical service for professional recommendations.
Replacing circuit breakers in a timely manner can help prevent fires, appliance damage, and electrocution. In addition, circuit breaker replacement improves electrical capacity and enhances system reliability. Get in touch with a trusted electrical repair service if any of the signs we’ve highlighted above sound familiar.
While replacing a breaker is often possible, there are situations where a full panel upgrade may be necessary:
Older electrical panels may not meet modern safety standards or current electrical demands. Some outdated panel brands are known for safety issues and may not trip properly during overloads. If you live in an older home built between the 1950s and 1970s, it’s possible that you have a Federal Pacific Electric, split-bus, pushmatic, or Zinsco panel. These panels are not just unsafe, but they also lack sufficient capacity to handle the power needs of modern homes. Reach out to a licensed electrician for electrical panel replacement.
If several breakers trip regularly, the issue may not be individual breakers but an undersized panel that can’t handle your home’s power needs. Perhaps you’ve added high-energy items like a central AC system, a hot tub, or an EV charger. Or maybe you’ve added more rooms to your home, increasing the number of circuits. To avoid overloads, have a local electrical service upgrade your electrical panel.
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If the panel box shows rust, water damage, or signs of overheating, replacing just the breaker may not solve the underlying problem.
If you’re adding new appliances, an EV charger, or renovating your home, your panel may not have enough capacity. In this case, upgrading the entire panel is often the safer long-term solution.
If you need a licensed and insured electrician to replace your circuit breakers or replace the entire panel, look no further than Mr. Electric. Our team offers a full range of electrical panel services, including circuit breaker repair, electrical panel replacement, sub-panel installation, panel relocation, and safety inspections. Call Mr. Electric today for professional and reliable service.
