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Is my main breaker failing? Warm and weird smell coming from box.?

Yesterday I replaced the 20A breaker for just my room, as the old one kept tripping, even from just a single air conditioner and nothing else being run. Today, that breaker tripped again, with just the one 5.9 nameplate amp AC and the internet router running. Apparently, the power went off in another room in a different breaker as well, but I didn't see it trip when I checked the box. When checking the box, I noticed a weird smell and that my breaker was pretty warm. Definitely much warmer than the other breakers. I also checked the main breaker, Which is 100 amps, and that was also warmer than the other breakers. I've called my land lord to look at it, and I've turned the main breaker off to be safe, but what so you think the issue is? Faulty breaker? Faulty wiring or outlets? I should also mention that it is getting quite hot where I am in northern NJ.

3 Answers

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  • 5 years ago

    Really wish I could edit my question, but if I didn't mention it, everything was running fine after replacing the breaker for a good 18 hours, if not more . I should also mention that I had an electrician replace it, I did not do it myself. The AC is also brand new, bought it 2 days ago to replace an old one rated at 5.2A

  • Mr.357
    Lv 7
    5 years ago

    There could be multiple problems. One or more breakers could be going bad. The connectors on the box where the wired hook up or the breakers plug into could be corroded. Is there any water getting into the breaker box?

  • 5 years ago

    is there aluminum wire in this place better get a electricain to look the whole thing over before something burns down

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