Improper installation of a light fixture and examples of what rodents do to our wiring. Arc-fault breakers can reduce the risk to fire when unknown things like this are happening within our homes.
Arc-fault breakers were developed to aid in the protection of circuits that may develop arcing due to improperly installed staples or fastening devices or faulty extension cords or loose connections on the circuit that can create heat and worse.
They would make a great addition to the protection of aluminum wire.
When they first came on the market, they were required to be on bedroom circuits only. They are now required on most circuits within a home.
A good practice would be to test the breaker regularly just like your GFCI receptacles and smoke detectors.
Flickering may indicate impending bulb failure. The lamps could be installed improperly. Cycling on and off is usually due to a bad ballast or lamp failure. Change both the lamps and ballast.
This overheating could be a serious problem. It could be a loose connection on the breaker. It could also be a burnt buss bar in the panel. Any of these scenarios could be very dangerous and cause serious arcing in the breaker panel. Call a qualified experience electrician immediately to resolve the problem..
Turn the breaker completely off and then completely on. Some breakers will look like they are not tripped, which still does not allow them to function. A way to help determine this, is to turn every breaker completely off and then on.
On some items I can not compete and will tell you where to buy. On many others, I can actually beat their price. Sometimes their products are of lower quality and I will advise you accordingly.
Yes, however, ESA rules make it more difficult these days, but in the end it is all about safety. Permits are required for most electrical work. Therefore we can work with you under our permit. We can also give you directions and allow you to do the work.