Top 5 Circuit Breaker Maintenance Tips for Electrical Safety

Regular maintenance ensures that your circuit breakers operate correctly, preventing failures and increasing the safety of your electrical system.

1. Schedule Annual Testing

Trip breakers under controlled conditions to verify proper function. Document timing and performance.

2. Inspect for Heating or Wear

Use infrared imaging or sampling while live to detect hotspots or corrosion.

3. Tighten Connections

Thermal cycling can loosen terminal screws—re-torque per manufacturer specifications.

4. Clean Dust and Debris

Dust buildup may cause nuisance tripping or arcing. Use low-pressure air and avoid high-voltage contact.

5. Replace Aged Breakers

Components degrade over time—replace breakers older than 20 years or showing wear signs.

Conclusion

Consistent breaker maintenance safeguards against unexpected failures and extends service life.