When should a circuit breaker be replaced?

A circuit breaker should be replaced in various scenarios that indicate it may be malfunctioning or unsafe. If there are clear signs of physical damage, such as cracks, burns, or other visible defects, this can compromise its functionality and safety, making replacement necessary. Frequent tripping without any load can also signal an underlying issue, such as a fault within the circuit or deterioration of the breaker itself, suggesting that the breaker is no longer reliable and should be replaced.

While age alone is not usually the sole determining factor, circuit breakers that are over ten years old may not meet current safety standards or might be close to the end of their lifespan, making it prudent to replace them as a proactive measure to ensure safety and reliability.

Since all these conditions indicate that a breaker might fail or pose a risk, the decision to replace should be comprehensive. Therefore, all of these conditions collectively justify the replacement of a circuit breaker.