Ground Fault Circuit Breakers last 30 to 40 years, but the average life expectancy is 35. This is longer than the 15 to 25 years life expectancy of GFCI outlets. Before determining the right time to replace your circuit breaker, it’s crucial to understand the kind of outlet in your home.
Standard three-prong outlets, the most common in the United States, can serve you for up to 30 years. However, if the outlet is in regular use, it should be changed after 15 to 20 years. However, two-prong outlets lack grounding wire, which makes them less durable. It is therefore advisable to replace them with a three-prong outlet for better protection.
Circuit breakers can go bad or wear out and fail. Just like any other electrical equipment, GFCIs also experience wear and tear at some point and should be replaced immediately. There are many causes of a worn-out circuit breaker, including overloading the outlet and loose wiring.
Moisture in a room can accelerate rust on the metal screws of your GFCI device, serving as wire connection points. At the same time, your circuit breaker can wear out due to age. Electrical codes dictate installing new GFCI devices if they start tripping abnormally and have been in service for over 15 years.
