AboutMaster Bob Expertise Master Electrician / Owner RKO Electric (USA Only) - can answer most of the typical residential, commercial and industrial electrical questions regarding new installations, wiring additions, lighting, switches and receptacle outlets and electrical upgrades of any nature.I will make every effort to respond to your questions as soon as possible at the end of the work day...very busy electrical company - your patience is appreciated. Stop by and see us at: www.rkoelectric.com
Experience Licensed Master Electrician with over 32 years licensed experience - updated with the latest NEC Codes every 3 years. Over see the daily electrical operations of two electrical companies. Also serve as a judge (for Electrical Contracting Products Magazine) to help select which new products are fit and safe for electricians and the electrical market.
Question Is there a life span to a standard 15 amp circuit breaker? In other words, is it only good for so many "trips" and then it needs replacement? If it fails does it do so in a way that prevents it from being reset? I had heard that each "trip weakens a circuit breaker and it should be replaced .
Thank you ,
Pat
Answer Hi Pat,
There is no true "standard" life span for a breaker...it is estimated a quality made breaker is reliable for approx. 10 years....under NORMAL circumstance. After 10 years, the inner mechanism slowly becomes worn and realibility comes into question. If a breaker is tripped repeatedly or frequently....the electro-mechanics wear at an accelerated rate...the breaker actually becomes "weak" and replacement should be in order. However, if a breaker is tripping frequently, the first order of business is to find out why (and fix the problem) ...such as - is it from an amperage overload or a short in the circuit ?? - either of which will trip a properly working breaker.
Yes....a breaker that has repeatedly tripped an excessive amount of times will reach the point where it will not reset and trips instantly - reagardless of the load.
Hope this helps...please follow-up if you need more technical detail.
About Electrical Wiring in the Home
This site answers questions related to home electrical wiring, home wiring, general electrical help,and other electrical questions related to aleternating current (AC). You can find help on the National Electical Code, home electrical issues, wiring electrical outlets, installing lighting, electrical grounding, and general electrical help for do-it-yourself projects not require an electrician. If you do not see your home electrical wiring question answered in this area then please ask your electrical wiring question here
