Almost every part of your home connects to or touches at least one electrical wire. This is why it’s so important to leave electrical repairs in the hands of a professional. And this especially applies to replacing a circuit breaker. Before we take a look at the top seven reasons to hire an electrician to perform repairs on a circuit breaker, let’s examine what the breaker regulates.
What Does the Circuit Breaker Control?
At the heart of every home’s electrical system is a circuit breaker, which is typically located in an electrical panel. The breaker protects appliances, cables and other connected equipment against electrical current damage thanks to its ability to control the flow of electricity. To put it simply, it detects unexpected spikes in electrical currents and interrupts the circuit as a safety switch. Depending on the circuits they safeguard, the size and design of the breakers determine the maximum current they can withstand.
1. Safety First
Hiring an electrician to replace a circuit breaker is an excellent way to put safety first. Electrical systems can be dangerous, but with an electrician’s expertise and training, you can avoid burns, shocks and other hazards that come along with performing electrical repairs. A professional replacement guarantees a safe electrical system that protects your house and its inhabitants.
2. Expertise and Knowledge
There are several key steps involved in changing a circuit breaker. To begin, you must disconnect the primary power source to guarantee electrical safety. The next step is to find the broken breaker, take off its cover and then separate the wires from the old breaker, being sure to remember where they were. After that, you’ll need to take the old breaker out of the panel and replace it with the new one. Then, you’ll need to connect the wires to their proper spots and make sure they’re tight. Last but not least, put the cover back on, reconnect the main power and check the circuit breaker to make sure it’s working properly. With so many steps involved and the potential for electrocuting yourself, it makes sense to leave this electrical repair in the hands of someone who has the proper expertise and knowledge.
3. Code Compliance
There are numerous codes and regulations that you must follow when performing electrical installations and repairs. Professional electricians stay up-to-date on all of these requirements. If you try to replace the circuit breaker yourself, you risk incurring fines and penalties as a result of violating the codes.
4. Proper Tools and Equipment
Professionals have all the tools and equipment to replace a circuit breaker, which normally requires screwdrivers, pliers, wire strippers, voltage testers and a new circuit breaker. In addition, it’s imperative to wear protective gear such as goggles and gloves when performing the repair. Nevertheless, electrical work is complex and can still be dangerous even when using the proper equipment. This is why safely navigating the intricacies of the electrical system is a task best left to experts.
5. Time and Cost Efficiency
It’s more time- and cost-efficient to hire a professional electrician to change a circuit breaker. Electricians can quickly diagnose problems and fix them, avoiding costly, long-term harm. Their knowledge and skill allow them to provide precise diagnoses, which in turn decreases the frequency of repairs, in addition to reducing the likelihood of future issues. Hiring a professional may seem like a waste of money at first, but it really ends up saving time and preventing risks, so it’s a good investment for a home’s electrical system.
6. Thorough Inspection
Hiring an electrician to replace the circuit breaker is also a good idea because it allows a professional to inspect the electrical system for safety and effectiveness. This inspection ensures a proper installation by looking for things like loose connections, possible dangers or indications of wear. It also helps avoid future problems by making sure there aren’t any anomalies or irregularities in the system.
7. Insurance Coverage
Home insurance companies usually require homeowners to have electrical repairs performed by a licensed and qualified electrician. This is because professional repairs minimize the risk of danger to the home and its occupants. Homeowners who choose to have their electrical systems serviced by experts show that they value safety and follow all local regulations. It also makes it simple to provide recorded evidence of compliance. By taking this preventative measure, you can increase safety and reduce the likelihood of claim denials or disputes caused by shoddy or illegal electrical work.
What to Look for in an Electrician
When hiring an electrician to replace a circuit breaker, it’s imperative to choose a qualified and reliable professional. To help you do this, always select an electrician with credentials that validate the company’s licensure and insurance. Think over the electrician’s background, particularly in relation to the kind of job you need done. Get suggestions from people you know and read reviews online. Only work with electricians who have positive reviews and feedback.
Get in-depth quotes from several electrical contractors. Look out for drastically reduced prices; they can mean low-quality goods or labor. Timeliness is another important quality to look for in an electrician. Always verify if they are capable of doing the task by the scheduled time. Strong communication skills are essential as well. Pick an electrician who takes the time to hear you out, provides detailed explanations of the work that he or she will perform and keeps you informed at all times.
Make sure you speak to the electrician about their safety procedures. Following all applicable safety procedures shows that the electrician is professional and cares about the customer and their needs. Make sure you also speak with the electrician about their work guarantee. By offering a warranty, they show that they are confident in the service quality they provide. By carefully considering prospective electricians using all of these criteria, you can be certain that you hire a reliable and competent expert for all of your electrical requirements.
How Long Does It Take to Replace a Circuit Breaker?
An electrician can change a circuit breaker, in most cases, in under a few hours, resolving the issue quickly and correctly. Because you need the right information and equipment, doing it yourself could take more time and put you in danger. If you want a safe electrical system without the hassle of fixing it yourself, hiring an electrician is your best option. They’ll get the job done quickly and with little room for mistakes.
You can rely on Comfort All-Stars for all of your electrical servicing needs. Repairs for electric vehicle charging stations, surge protectors, interior and outdoor lighting, generators and electrical panels are just some of the services we provide to Tampa households. In addition to our expertise in HVAC repair, duct cleaning and duct sealing, we also help homeowners improve their home’s indoor air quality. Consider joining our MVP Club to find out how much money you may save on HVAC maintenance. Give Comfort All-Stars a call today to schedule a circuit breaker replacement.
