Circuit breaker locking systems can be useful for securing the circuit breaker system in any area accessible to others, but does compromise safety matters. Circuit breaker locking systems can either be in on or off mode. While there are benefits to circuit breaker locking systems like their ability to potentially prevent electrical fires or other mishaps, in such an instance, until you can physically unlock the breaker, the power will remain off. Off hand, this might not seem to be such a big deal, but if there is someone in your household who needs medical equipment that requires constant power, this poses a serious threat. If you’re installing a circuit breaker locking system, call Academy Air to consult with an electrical expert on whether or not circuit breaker locking systems are appropriate for your home.

A fusible switch is what was more commonly used before circuit breakers were around. Fusible switches can still often be found in older homes. Fusible switches contain a fuse that protects your home and appliances from being damaged in cases of electrical overload. If your home still utilizes a fusible switch and you are thinking of replacing it with circuit breakers, give a call to consult with an electrical expert who can assess your home, power needs, and offer a price quote.

How many additional circuit breakers you can add to your breaker box depends on a few things. Firstly, you will need to analyze how much physical space there is on your breaker box. If there is minimal space left, you can remove some of the metal punch-out panels to create more room on your breaker box. If there are no more of these spaces left, you have a full circuit breaker panel and additional circuit breakers cannot be installed. Alternatively, you can put in what is called a sub panel to accommodate the additional circuit breakers. Lastly, and most importantly, you must check your electrical panel to see how many breakers or other brands it is rated to handle. Do not exceed the maximum capacity of your breaker box even if you have the additional room to install more. If you are wanting to add additional circuit breakers to your breaker box, it is best to have a professional electrician from install them, as they have the skills and experience on how to do so.

Signs that it’s time to replace my circuit breakers include scorch marks on your breaker or on outlets, a burning odor permeating throughout your home or coming from the panel itself, if your breaker trips every time you turn on a particular appliance, and/or if you keep repeatedly needing to reset your breakers and they still will not remain on. If you are experiencing any of the aforementioned issues, it’s vital that you call a licensed electrician at Academy Air as soon as possible, as many of these issues are indications of much larger and potentially dangerous problems.

If your circuit breaker won’t reset, it is probably due to a short circuit. A short circuit can cause broken appliances, overheating, and/or create a fire hazard. If it seems like a short circuit is to blame for your circuit breaker tripping continuously, leave the breaker off. From there you will need to call in a licensed electrician from Academy Air to take it from there.

When installing a breaker, it is important to select the correct size for your particular application. To determine which size you need, you will need to know the amount of current that will be running through the circuit and voltage of the system. If you are uncertain about either of these values, consult an electrician or other qualified professional before selecting and installing a breaker.