How Long Do Home Electrical Circuit Breakers Last?

Buying a home is an amazing milestone that gives you a solid foundation for your families future. It is always important to remember that your home will not stay brand new forever, and it is up to you to keep up on home maintenance and repairs.

When it comes to your home electrical, there are very few “electrical emergencies” because electrical breakers are designed stop anything bad from happening before it starts. Ask an electrician to give your home a much needed check-up.

How Long Do Home Electrical Circuit Breakers Last?

Home circuit breakers last on average about 30 years until they need to be replaced. Lifespan of an electrical breaker largely depends on how much usage it gets throughout the years. If power is being constantly applied to a breaker then it could fail sooner then a electrical breaker that has no power being applied.

Once circuit breakers reach a certain age they fail to stop an electrical shock from happening. Resulting in an extremely unsafe living condition inside your home.

How To Test Your Home Electrical Breakers

Verify 30 years or less

Find the manufacturing date of your existing electrical circuit breakers. It Is not an exact science, but is a very good rule of thumb.

Home Stress Test

Have a licensed electrician do a physical stress test your homes electrical panel in order to ensure your breakers are work properly. If your electrical breakers fail to pass the stress test then it’s time to replace them with new ones.

Electrical Breakers Stop Emergencies From Happening

There are very few electrical emergencies in your home because your electrical breakers stop a hazard before it starts. If you neglect your homes electrical safety then it is only a matter of time before something really goes wrong.

Homeowner Safety Update:

2023 Electrical Safety Code requires Arc Fault Protection (AFCI) to be installed on all general use electrical outlets and lighting throughout a home.

Arc-Fault Protection Breakers are the new standard in home electrical safety. Regular breakers protect your home from significant electrical hazards, but they lack the precision to monitor and test to verify their effectiveness. Arc-Fault breakers have the ability to monitor and test to make sure everything is working as it should.

When Will I Need To Install AFCI Protection In my Home?

The following home electrical projects will be required to be upgraded to AFCI protection:

• Whenever adding electrical wiring that is 6 feet or longer to an existing home electrical circuit.  

• Pretty much whenever you install a new electrical circuit to the living spaces of your home.

• During any home electrical renovations, remodels, or new home builds.

• Some cities & towns require you to upgrade to AFCI protection whenever you replace an electrical outlet, light switch, or when you upgrade your electrical panel.

Have More Questions About Arc Fault Protection For Your Home?

To find out more details on why arc fault protection has become the new standard in home electrical safety, check out:

Or

Leave A Comment