Expert Circuit Breaker Repair and Replacement in Des Moines, IA
Your circuit breaker panel is the command center of your home’s electrical system, responsible for safely distributing power to all your lights, outlets, and appliances. When you have a problem with your circuit breaker, it can affect your entire home. Holt Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, & Electrical, Inc. provides expert circuit breaker repair and replacement services in Des Moines, IA. Our licensed electricians have the expertise to diagnose and resolve any issue with your electrical panel, from a single faulty breaker to the need for a complete panel upgrade, ensuring your home’s electrical system is both safe and capable of meeting your power demands.
Signs You May Need Circuit Breaker Service
An aging or malfunctioning electrical panel can pose a significant safety risk. It is important to be aware of the warning signs that indicate you may need professional service. If you notice any of the following issues, it is time to call the experts at Holt:
- Frequent Breaker Trips: If you have a circuit breaker that trips repeatedly, it is a sign that the circuit is overloaded or that there is a more serious underlying issue.
- A Burning Smell or Scorch Marks: Any sign of burning or scorching around your electrical panel is a serious red flag and requires immediate attention from a qualified electrician.
- An Outdated Fuse Box: If your home still has an old-fashioned fuse box, we strongly recommend upgrading to a modern circuit breaker panel for improved safety and convenience.
- Insufficient Power: If your lights flicker when you turn on a large appliance, or you find that you cannot run multiple appliances at once without tripping a breaker, your panel may not have sufficient capacity for your needs.
Electrical Panel Upgrades
Many older homes in Des Moines were not built to handle the electrical demands of modern technology. A panel upgrade, also known as a service upgrade, can increase the total electrical capacity of your home, allowing you to safely power all of your devices and appliances. Our electricians can assess your current and future power needs and recommend a panel upgrade that is right for you. An upgrade is often necessary when you are planning a major home renovation, adding a new appliance, or installing an EV Charging Station.
The Holt Advantage for Panel Services
When it comes to the heart of your home’s electrical system, you need a team you can trust. The electricians at Holt are highly trained and have extensive experience in all aspects of circuit breaker repair and replacement. We are committed to providing safe, reliable, and code-compliant solutions that will serve your family for years to come. We take the time to explain your options and provide upfront pricing, so you can make an informed decision about your home’s electrical system.
Frequently Asked Questions About Circuit Breakers
1. What is the difference between a fuse and a circuit breaker?
A fuse contains a small wire that melts when the current exceeds a safe level, cutting off the power to the circuit. A circuit breaker is a switch that automatically trips, or turns off, when it detects an overload. Circuit breakers are more convenient because they can be reset, while a blown fuse must be replaced.
2. Why do my circuit breakers trip?
Circuit breakers are designed to trip when a circuit is overloaded, meaning it is drawing more current than it is rated to handle. This is a safety feature that prevents the wiring from overheating and causing a fire. A short circuit or a ground fault can also cause a breaker to trip.
3. How do I reset a tripped circuit breaker?
To reset a tripped breaker, first, unplug any devices that may have caused the overload. Then, locate your electrical panel and find the breaker that is in the “off” or middle position. Firmly push the breaker to the full “off” position, and then back to the “on” position.
4. When should I replace my electrical panel?
We recommend replacing your electrical panel if it is more than 25 years old, if you have a fuse box, or if you are experiencing any of the warning signs mentioned above. A panel upgrade is also a good idea if you are planning to add major appliances or a home addition.
5. What is an AFCI breaker?
An Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) is a type of circuit breaker that provides enhanced protection against fires caused by arcing faults in your wiring. Many local building codes now require AFCI breakers in new construction and renovations.










