Your circuit breakers are one of the most important safety features in your home’s electrical system. It protects your property from electrical overloads, short circuits, and potential fire hazards by automatically shutting off power when it detects a problem.

But what happens when your circuit breaker itself starts to fail?

At Boiso’s Electrical Services, we’ve helped countless homeowners troubleshoot and replace faulty breakers before they turn into serious hazards. Here’s how you can spot the signs of a faulty circuit breaker, and what to do about it.

Why Circuit Breakers Fail

Over time, circuit breakers can wear out due to age, continuous overloading, or electrical faults within the system. If not replaced or repaired in time, a faulty breaker may fail to trip when it should, leaving your home vulnerable to electrical fires or damaged appliances.

Common Signs Your Circuit Breaker Might Be Faulty

Frequent Tripping

While occasional tripping is normal (especially if you’ve overloaded a circuit), frequent tripping is a red flag. It could mean:

• The breaker is deteriorating
• There’s a wiring fault
• The circuit is overloaded beyond capacity

If it keeps happening, it’s best to have a professional check it out.

Breaker Won’t Stay Reset

If you reset the breaker and it trips again immediately, or won’t stay in the “on” position, it could indicate a deeper issue. Sometimes the breaker itself is faulty, other times, it’s responding to a short circuit or ground fault.

Burning Smell or Discolouration

A burning smell near your breaker panel or visible scorch marks are serious warning signs. This usually means:

• Overheating inside the breaker
• Damaged wires
• Potential fire risk

Turn off the power and call a licenced electrician immediately.

Hot Breaker Panel

Your electrical panel should never be hot to the touch. If it is, it’s a strong indicator that the circuit breaker is overheating or failing to regulate current properly.

Flickering or Dimming Lights

Lights that flicker or dim when appliances are used may point to a failing breaker, or to an overloaded or damaged circuit. This can often be traced back to a weak or faulty breaker that’s not delivering consistent power.

What To Do If You Suspect a Faulty Breaker

Do not attempt to repair or replace a breaker on your own unless you’re a licensed electrician. Electrical work is dangerous and must comply with Australian safety standards.

Instead:

• Switch off the power if you detect burning or overheating
• Note any symptoms, like flickering, tripping, or heat
• Call Boisos Electrical Services for a thorough inspection

How Boisos Electrical Services Can Help

Our team of licensed electricians can quickly diagnose and fix breaker issues. We’ll inspect your switchboard, test your circuits, and replace any faulty components with high-quality, compliant parts.

We also offer switchboard upgrades if your current system is outdated or overloaded.