Why Circuit Breaker Repair in North Scottsdale, AZ Often Involves Replacement in

May 4, 2018 6:03 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

Circuit breakers should be replaced every 30 years. In fact, we often get a call for circuit breaker repair in North Scottsdale, AZ and end up replacing the breakers because they are simply too old. This is especially common with older homes in our area. You may be tempted to make those breakers last a little while longer, but that is not the best decision. Here are five reasons why you should not settle for aging breakers and their impacts:

  • New technology: An electrical system installed in the 1970s was not built to withstand flat screen TVs, computers and mobile devices. The simple fact of the matter is that, while appliances are more energy efficient, we plug in more devices than we did 40 or even 10 years ago. Keeping your system updated allows it to take the demand often imposed on it by 21st century needs. Many people discover that even a few tablets and a TV are enough to overwhelm older systems.
  • Avoid the dark: Overloaded circuit breakers trip more frequently, and that leaves you in a powerless void. Rather than making a trip to the breaker box an evening ritual as common as watching Netflix, consider updating your breakers. You will enjoy the benefits of your streaming TV and electronic devices without wondering when you will suddenly be left in the dark.
  • Safety: If your circuit trips, that is a good thing. That means it has more of a load than it can handle, so it shuts off your system rather than sparking your house on fire. So, if your breakers from the 1980s never trip, that is a time to worry—not to celebrate the uncharacteristic longevity of your breakers. They are likely taking on too much of a load and placing your home firmly in the fire risk category. Keep in mind that an upgrade is less time-consuming and heart-wrenching than facing an insurance claim after a fire.
  • More outlets: Besides replacing breakers, you can also decide to expand. Many older homes do not have enough outlets for the devices now common in most households. If you are using extension cords so everyone has a place to charge their phones, you are asking for trouble. Replace breakers and add more outlets so you can ditch the extension cords and offer an outlet to any device that needs it.
  • Lifespan: Breakers and their panels have a lifespan ranging from 25 to 40 years. Waiting 30 years to replace them is the happy medium that works well for most homeowners. Pushing your electrical system to the limit and hoping it holds on a little while longer may lead to inconvenience at best or tragedy at worst. The impacts of aging breakers range from a lack of power to house fires, and none of that adds to the quality of your life.

Eavenson Electric Co. offers circuit breaker repair in North Scottsdale, AZ, as well as general electrical upgrades. We specialize in older homes and would love to bring yours into the 21st century. Call us today for an estimate!

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