How to Know When a House Breaker Is Weak?

Dry your hands before touching the circuit breaker. Also make sure the floor is dry to avoid shock.

Look in the circuit breaker box and see if one of the switches is flipped to the "Off" position, or in the middle of "On" and "Off." If this switch should be in the "On" position, it possibly has been tripped. Move the switch back into the "On" position and check to see if it stays there.

Unplug all devices from the power outlet connected to the switch is weak or faulty in the breaker. Go to the circuit breaker and reset the switch; flip it "Off" then "On." Replug the devices into the outlets and see if the switch stays on. If the switch stays on, there may be a problem with the devices. If the switch moves back into the off position, the breaker could be faulty.

Plug a voltage meter into each power outlet. The meter will indicate there is low or average voltage to an outlet. Low voltage to a power outlet indicates a weak or faulty circuit breaker.

Check the circuit breaker for a burnt smell. A burnt smell is often an indication of a bad breaker or wires. Push all switches into the "Off" position to shut off the power as a precaution and contact an electrician.

Feel the circuit breaker for heat and look around the casing for heat damage. Heat damage will produce a black coloring on the casing. If the breaker is overheating, this is a sign of a weak or bad breaker. Turn the breaker off as a precaution and contact an electrician.