Circuit Breaker

A circuit breaker is an automatic safety switch that cuts power when electrical currents become dangerous, protecting your home from fires and damage. Whether you're dealing with a breaker that keeps tripping, need to upgrade an outdated panel, or want to add capacity for new appliances, understanding your electrical system matters. Angi connects you with local pros and resources to keep your home's power running safely.

Related to Circuit Breaker Service

Circuit Breaker Service Articles and Advice
Kat Brancato  •  Apr 10, 2026
Does Turning Off Breakers Save Electricity?
You might want to save energy and money by flipping off your circuit breakers while you’re on vacation, but should you? Turns out, there may be better ways. Here’s what you need to know about turning off circuit breakers over vacation.
Tyler Lacoma  •  Apr 10, 2026
Is It Dangerous If a Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping?
Our guide can help you determine the source of the circuit tripping and how to correct it in order to keep you and your home safe.
C.E. Larusso  •  Apr 10, 2026
What Is a Tandem Circuit Breaker? Learn If This Electrical Solution Is Right for Your Home
Learn what a tandem circuit breaker is, how it works, and whether it's a safe and effective solution for your home electrical setup.
Jenna Jonaitis  •  Apr 10, 2026
Why Is My Arc Fault Circuit Breaker Tripping?
When your circuit breaker trips, it can be frustrating and inconvenient. Here are the main reasons why your arc fault breaker keeps tripping and tips to find and fix the issues.
Kyle Schurman  •  Apr 10, 2026
How to Tell If a Breaker Is Tripped: Everything You Need to Know
You may be able to diagnose a simple electrical issue yourself with our easy-to-use tips for learning how to tell if a breaker is tripped.
C.E. Larusso  •  Apr 10, 2026
What Size Breaker for a Water Heater Is Best?
An incorrectly sized breaker can lead to costly problems down the road. Use this guide to learn how to calculate the right breaker size for your water heater.
Staci Parks  •  Apr 10, 2026
How to Replace a Circuit Breaker: A Complete Guide
Flickering lights and breaker trips can be a sign that it’s time to replace a circuit breaker. Find out the cost, safety tips, and how to replace a circuit breaker.
Alison Kasch  •  Apr 10, 2026
6 Types of Circuit Breakers to Consider for Your Home
Discover the various types of circuit breakers, their unique features, pros and cons, and the best applications for each in this comprehensive guide.
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Common Circuit Breaker Service Questions

You can identify Federal Pacific Stab-Lok® breakers by the label on the front of the panel that says “Federal Pacific” or “FPE” and the breaker itself should say “Stab-Lok®” either on the face of the panel or a label inside the panel door. The Stab-Lok® breakers are also usually red on the breaker switch.

A full home inspection can cost nearly $350 on average, but inspecting the breaker box specifically is likely to be lower, between $100 and $200. Don’t confuse this service with a basic breaker trip check, which doesn’t take long and is usually billed at $40 to $50 per hour.

If the electrician discovers a serious problem and needs to replace a breaker, it can cost between $100 and $200 in additional expenses. Although rare, replacing the electrical panel typically costs between $500 and $2,000.

Knowing if and when your circuit breaker is failing or faulty can prevent costly damage. If you notice any of the following signs, call a local electrician to help. 

  • The breaker frequently trips

  • The breaker doesn't stay in the 'on' position or reset properly

  • You hear buzzing or humming noises coming from the breaker

  • There's discoloration around the breaker switch

  • There's a burning smell or visible signs of damage on the breaker

The major difference between a GFCI breaker and an AFCI breaker is that a GFCI breaker protects against fatal shocks while an AFCI breaker prevent electrical fires. A GFCI breaker senses when the electrical current to ground is overloaded and trips to prevent major accidents or injuries. AFCI breakers trip when it detects dangerous electrical arcing.

A bigger breaker alone probably won’t fix your problem of frequent tripping. But if you upgrade an electrical circuit to a higher amp rating, or upgrade your breaker box to handle more amps, it could solve your tripping problems. Consult a qualified electrician about the best course of action.