Can an Emergency Electrician Handle Circuit Breaker Issues?

Have you ever wondered what a circuit breaker is? It's your home's silent guardian, quietly sitting inside that typically squared box, often painted in unassuming colours.

In this blog post, you’ll find out the basics of the circuit breaker panel — what they are, how they work, signs that they’re in trouble, and more.

Defining Circuit Breaker Issues

A circuit breaker is an electrical safety device designed to protect an electrical circuit from damage caused by overcurrent. Its primary function is to interrupt current flow, safeguard equipment, and reduce the risk of fire.

Unlike a fuse, which operates once and then must be replaced, a circuit breaker can be reset either manually or automatically to resume normal operation.

Why Circuit Breakers Throw Tantrums

Where does the circuit breaker throw a fit? When there is an overflow of electricity: circuit overload, electrical shock, and short circuits.

It’s when the circuit breaker detects electricity flowing along an unintended path — say, for instance, a “ground fault”, when electricity escapes the confines of the wire and creates a shortcut to the ground.

As baffling as it might sound, the circuit breaker is designed to trip in such instances. So, circuit breaker trips are not always the villain; sometimes, they’re the superhero that saves your appliances and your sanity.

The Big Issues with Circuits and Their Breakers

There are times when your circuit breaker box needs actual human assistance in the persona of local electricians.

In our sunburnt country, there are a few common issues that can have you dialling your local electrician real quickly. Here’s a rundown on several of them:

• Overloaded circuit: This happens when there are too many electrical appliances drawing power from a single circuit. The extra load can cause the circuit breaker to trip, preventing dangerous electricity from frying your appliances.
• Short circuit: A bit more serious, this happens when a hot wire comes in contact with another hot wire or a neutral wire in one of your electrical outlets. The ensuing increase in electricity flow triggers the breaker to trip. A short circuit often causes a burning smell or even burn marks on the outlet.
• Ground fault: Similar to a short circuit, a ground fault occurs when a hot wire touches the ground wire or the side of a metal outlet box. This results in an excessive amount of current and causes the breaker to trip.
• Old or worn-out cCircuit breaker: Everything has a lifespan, even your circuit breakers. Over time, a circuit breaker can wear out and become less effective. When your circuit breakers trip more often than usual, it’s likely a sign that you need a replacement.
• Faulty wiring: Dodgy or faulty wiring can lead to all sorts of trouble with your circuit breaker. Improper wire connections, damaged wire insulation, or wires of incorrect size can lead to trips or even a potential fire risk.
• Incorrectly installed breaker: If your circuit breaker was installed by a cowboy instead of a fully licensed sparky, there’s a chance it might not work correctly. Breakers that are incorrectly fitted might trip frequently or fail to trip when needed.

Always leave electrical tasks to professionals, mate. If your circuit breaker is playing up or you’re facing other electrical problems, give your local qualified electrician a bell. They can take care of the issue and ensure your home’s electrical system is as safe as houses.

What If Your Circuit Breaker Breaks?

Most, if not all homes, are relying on circuit breakers to alert them of any unusual activity on their electrical system. Now, let’s dig into the nitty-gritty of faulty circuit breakers. How can you detect if your circuit breaker has gone rogue? Well, here are some signs:

• Humming noise: If the breaker box begins to generate a humming noise, you might be dealing with a faulty breaker.
• Burning smell: The unmistakable aroma of scorched wire or burn marks on your fuse box signifies a problem.
• Flickering lights: If all the lights in a particular circuit flicker simultaneously, your circuit breaker may be the culprit.
• Frequent tripping: When your circuit breaker trips frequently, it’s a signal something is amiss.

Is It an Electrical Emergency?

As perplexing as it might sound, an “electrician emergency” is quite straightforward. They typically involve problems with your electrical appliances, systems, or wiring that require immediate attention.

The likes of a flickering light bulb or an obstinate switch might flaunt itself as minor inconveniences but lack attention, these could swiftly turn into emergencies when not handled correctly!

Remember, safety is a top priority, so here are a few situations that should be considered electrical emergencies:

• Electric shock or burns: If you, a family member, or a co-worker experience a shock or burn from an electrical appliance, outlet safety switch, or wiring, that’s an immediate emergency. Turn off your power at the switchboard and seek medical attention.
• Appliance malfunction: If an electrical appliance such as a toaster, microwave, or even your hot water system trips a circuit breaker or delivers a shock, that’s a surefire sign of an electrical emergency. It’s best to disconnect the appliance and call a local electrician.
• Hot outlets or switches: If outlets or switches get hot to the touch or give off a burning smell, you could be dealing with faulty wiring or an overloaded circuit. This is an emergency, and you should turn off the power and contact your electrician right away.
• Sparks or flames: Sparks flying from any electrical system, whether it’s a powerpoint, electrical panel, or exposed electrical wiring anywhere, is an emergency. If you see flames, your first call should be to the fire brigade before you even think about phoning your sparky!
• Flickering lights or power outages: If the lights are flickering throughout your place or you’ve got a sudden power loss and you’ve paid your power bill, you’ve got an electrical emergency on your hands.

A bit of advice; you should contact your local emergency electrician if you encounter any of these issues, as they could indicate serious problems with your electrical systems.

It’s always better to be safe than sorry – sort any issues out sooner rather than later, and you’ll save yourself a world of bother.

The Role of an Emergency Electrician

Amid all this electricity zinging and circuit breaking, one might have a valid question mulling in their minds — What does an emergency electrician do? And more importantly, can they handle these electrical current and circuit breaker issues?

Emergency electricians respond promptly to calls related to electrical issues that pose a risk of damage or harm and offer a 24/7 emergency electrical service.

In “emergency electrical”, qualified electricians are primed to resolve these issues with both safety measures and efficiency of service in mind.

When it comes to circuit breaker issues resulting from faulty wiring, short circuits, or even electrical fires, an emergency electrician’s training and expertise come into play.

What is the common thread among all these issues? They’re beyond the average DIY and require professional emergency electrical services only.

Want to be a Qualified Electrician in Australia?

In Australia, to wield the title of “fully licensed” electrician and be authorised to tackle your most pressing electrical problems, one must complete a four-year apprenticeship and a Cert III in Electro-Technology.

Following this, a rigorous capstone exam awaits, ensuring only the most competent qualify.

Worry not, because these electrical warriors stand ready to swoop down and offer their services at any given hour, adhering to the highest safety standards.

Call Your Local Qualified Electrician Today

So, can circuit breaker malfunctions be entrusted to an emergency electrician? The answer is a resounding “Yes!”

In a nutshell, emergency electricians handle your circuit breaker woes, fix faulty wiring, or address any electrical emergency that springs up during your after-business hours.

Remember, the safety of Australian homes lies in the hands of a reliable, fully licensed electrician. And when it comes to your home, cut no corners.

Instead, enlighten your home with the services of your local expert electricians.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.