If your lights flicker when using appliances, or if circuit breakers trip too often, you may be wondering whether you can safely replace a faulty breaker yourself or if it’s time to call a licensed electrician.
Handling electricity carries risk, and there are several important factors you should consider before opening up your electrical panel.
Circuit breakers are critical safety devices, located inside your home’s electrical panel or breaker box. Their job is to automatically cut power to prevent overloads, fires, and electrical hazards when something goes wrong in the wiring or with your appliances.
Panels may also house AFCIs (arc-fault circuit interrupters) and GFCIs (ground fault circuit interrupters), offering additional protection throughout your home.
Several symptoms signal the need for breaker box repair or replacement:
Breakers trip repeatedly, especially when using multiple appliances at once.
Outlets feel warm or hot, especially in older homes with outdated wiring.
Dimmer switches and lights buzz or flicker unusually during appliance use.
You smell burning or see black marks around the electrical panel.
Your home has an old fuse box or knob-and-tube wiring.
These issues don’t just cause inconvenience—they point toward underlying electrical safety concerns.
While some home maintenance is safe for DIY work, replacing circuit breakers is not one of them.
The risks include:
Shock or electrocution: Even turning off the main breaker does not guarantee safety, as some parts of the panel may still carry live current.
Fire hazard: Incorrect installation may fail to protect wiring or overload circuits, potentially causing electrical fires.
Insurance issues: Most homeowner policies require any electrical work to be performed by a licensed electrician; DIY attempts can void coverage.
Building code violations: Electrical installations must follow the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local requirements, which may change based on your location.
Professional electricians provide crucial advantages:
Experience with electrical panel upgrades ensures your system can meet modern load demands.
Diagnosis of hidden issues like loose connections, undersized wiring, and aging fuse boxes.
Verification that all upgrades or replacements meet local safety codes.
A guarantee backs all work, materials, and parts—Premiere Electric offers a 1-year warranty on all services.
Upfront pricing with no hidden fees, plus weekend and emergency appointment options.
If your home suffers from frequent power disruptions or outdated panels, a full electrical service upgrade may be the safest solution.
Benefits include:
Greater reliability for high-demand appliances such as HVAC systems, washers, or new kitchen devices.
This includes surge protection and integration for smart home features, USB outlets, and higher-capacity plugs.
Improved efficiency and safety, reducing the risk of fire, property damage, and personal injury.
Future-proof your system so you can remodel or expand without worrying about electrical failures.
If circuit breakers trip often, or you hear humming/buzzing from your panel.
After adding large appliances, such as air conditioners or electric ranges.
When purchasing or remodeling an older home.
Anytime you notice outlets getting hot or see visible damage to the electrical panel, take action.
Premiere Electric has provided dependable residential electrical service in the tri-state area since 1990. We are fully licensed and insured Master Electricians specializing in:
Electrical panel upgrades and breaker replacement
Whole house rewiring and service upgrades
AFCI/GFCI installation
Knob and tube wiring replacement
USB and smart outlets
Comprehensive electrical safety inspections
All work is guaranteed for one year, with transparent pricing—no hidden costs, and weekend or emergency services available.
Ready for an appointment or free quote?
Visit https://www.premiereelectriccompany.com/electrical-service-upgrades today and let our experts keep your family safe.