Circuit Breaker Repair & Replacement in Florence, SC — Trips, Overloads, AFCI/GFCI
Breaker replacement, overloaded circuit fixes, and AFCI/GFCI breaker installs to code.
Circuit Breaker Repair & Replacement in Florence & the Pee Dee
A breaker that trips is protecting you — the question is from what. Palmetto Electric figures out whether you have an overload, a short, a ground fault, or simply a worn-out breaker, then replaces or repairs it with the correct type and rating. We also add the AFCI and GFCI breakers that modern code requires for bedrooms, kitchens, baths and exteriors.
Never ‘upsize’ a breaker to stop nuisance trips. A bigger breaker on the same wire is a fire hazard. We fix the cause instead.
Common problems we fix
- A breaker that trips repeatedly or right after reset
- An overloaded circuit running too many devices
- A breaker that feels hot or won't stay set
- Missing AFCI/GFCI protection in required areas
- A buzzing or crackling breaker
- The wrong breaker brand or amperage installed
- Tandem ‘double-tapped’ breakers from past DIY
What homeowners ask us first
Why does my breaker keep tripping?
Three common causes: too much load on the circuit, a short between wires, or a ground fault. Sometimes the breaker itself is simply worn out. We test to find which — our breaker-tripping guide walks through it.
What's the difference between AFCI and GFCI breakers?
GFCI protects against shock by sensing current leaking to ground — required near water. AFCI senses dangerous arcing in wiring and prevents fires — required in most living areas. Many spots now need both.
Can I replace a breaker with a bigger one to stop the tripping?
No. The breaker is sized to the wire. A larger breaker lets the wire overheat before tripping, which causes fires. The right fix is reducing load or repairing the fault.
Related help & resources
Brands we install & service
Guides that go deeper
Related electrical services
Service areas
Need an electrician now?
Sparking outlets, a burning smell, a dead panel or no power? Call Palmetto Electric for fast, licensed help in Florence and across the Pee Dee — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call (843) 595-9236 Open 24 hours · Licensed & insuredFrequently asked questions
How do I know if a breaker is bad or the circuit is overloaded?
If a breaker trips with little load, or feels hot and won't reset, it may be failing. If it trips when you run several devices, it's likely an overload. We test under load to confirm.
Do older homes in Florence need AFCI breakers?
Code requires AFCI protection on most circuits in new and renovated work. Older homes aren't forced to retrofit everything, but adding AFCI/GFCI is a meaningful safety upgrade we recommend.
Can you match a breaker for a Federal Pacific panel?
Replacement breakers exist, but because Stab-Lok breakers are known to fail to trip, we usually recommend replacing the panel rather than the breaker. See our panel-safety guide.
Is a tripping GFCI the same as a tripping breaker?
Not quite — a GFCI trips on tiny ground-fault currents to protect against shock. Frequent GFCI trips point to moisture or a wiring fault; our GFCI guide explains the steps.