Residential service
Panel and circuit breaker repair in Houston
A breaker that keeps tripping is doing its job: something on that circuit is wrong. We find the cause and fix it, instead of just resetting it.
What panel and breaker repair covers
Panel repair is the work of finding and fixing a problem inside your breaker panel without replacing the whole panel. That can mean replacing a worn or failed breaker, tightening or replacing a damaged connection, correcting an overloaded or double-tapped circuit, or repairing a damaged bus connection.
If the panel itself is undersized, corroded, or a model with a known safety problem, we will tell you plainly and explain why a replacement makes more sense than a repair.
Signs your panel needs attention
- A breaker trips again right after you reset it.
- A breaker will not reset or feels loose.
- The panel or a breaker is warm to the touch.
- You hear buzzing, crackling or humming from the panel.
- You smell burning plastic near the panel.
- Part of the house has lost power while the rest works.
- Lights flicker throughout the house, not just on one fixture.
How the work goes
Tell us what is happening
Call, text, or send a photo of the panel. If you smell burning or see sparks, turn off the main breaker if it is safe to reach and call right away.
Diagnosis
We test the breaker, the connections and the circuit it feeds to find whether the problem is the breaker, the wiring, or something plugged in.
Clear options
We explain what we found and give you the price for the repair before doing it.
Repair and test
We replace or correct the faulty part, test the circuit under load, and confirm the panel is running cool.
How long it takes
Replacing a single breaker or fixing a loose connection is typically done in one visit, often in an hour or two. Problems that trace back to the wiring in the walls take longer to find; we tell you what we know as we go.
Permits and inspections
Replacing a breaker with the same type and size is a repair and usually does not need a permit. Adding circuits or replacing the panel does. We tell you up front which one your job is.
What affects the price
Repairs are priced after diagnosis, because the cause is what decides the cost:
- Whether the problem is the breaker, a connection, or the wiring on that circuit.
- The brand and type of breaker. Parts for discontinued panels are harder to find.
- Whether the breaker needs arc-fault or ground-fault protection under current code.
- Heat damage to the bus bar or to nearby wiring.
- Whether the call is an after-hours emergency.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my breaker keep tripping?
The three common causes are an overloaded circuit, a short circuit, and a ground fault. A worn-out breaker is less common. Because the first three are safety problems, repeated tripping should be diagnosed, not just reset.
Is a warm breaker panel dangerous?
It can be. A panel that is warm to the touch, buzzing, or smells burnt usually has a loose or overloaded connection. Stop using the affected circuits and call an electrician.
Can I replace a circuit breaker myself?
We do not recommend it. The panel stays energized at the main lugs even with the main breaker off, and the wrong breaker type can fail to protect the circuit.
Should I repair or replace my panel?
Repair makes sense when the panel is in good condition and one part has failed. Replacement makes sense when the panel is undersized, corroded, or a discontinued model with a known safety problem.
Do you offer emergency panel repair?
Yes. Smart Choice Electrical answers emergency calls 24 hours a day. Call (713) 955-5350.
