Why Does My Circuit Breaker Keep Tripping?
Constantly resetting your circuit breakers can quickly become cumbersome. You’re no longer able to quickly vacuum up a few crumbs without having to flip the breaker, and simple tasks like blow-drying your hair or brewing a pot of coffee require strategic planning with the other members of your household. If you’re fed up with the extra work, get to the bottom of why your circuit breaker keeps tripping. With the help of a professional electrician from Go Electric, you can find a lasting solution for your home’s electrical needs.
Common Reasons Your Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping
Circuit breakers protect your home from electrical fires and other hazards by monitoring the electrical current flowing through your home. When a breaker trips, it interrupts the flow of electricity because it's detected a potentially dangerous situation. For this reason, you don’t want to dismiss this problem as a minor inconvenience. Instead, pay attention to what your breaker panel may be trying to tell you.
Overloaded Circuits
One of the most common reasons for a tripped circuit breaker is an overloaded circuit. When too many appliances are connected to a single circuit, the electrical demand exceeds the circuit's capacity, causing the breaker to trip as a safety measure.
For example, if you’re running the toaster, coffee maker, and microwave on the same circuit, the electrical circuit may become overloaded, and the breaker will trip to prevent overheating, which could lead to an electrical fire. To prevent an overloaded circuit, try plugging appliances into different outlets or limiting how many you use at one time. For a long-term solution, consider an electrical panel replacement, which will ensure your home has the necessary capacity to handle multiple appliances at once.
Short Circuits
A short circuit happens when a hot wire touches a neutral wire, creating a high current flow that the breaker can’t handle. When this happens, the breaker trips immediately to stop the flow of electricity. Short circuits often occur when there’s faulty wiring, a bad electrical switch, or a malfunctioning appliance.
Short circuits are potentially dangerous because they can cause electrical fires. Make sure you keep an eye out for potential signs of a short circuit, which include blackened wires and a burnt smell around the outlets. If you suspect a short circuit, it’s essential to contact a qualified electrician to inspect the wiring. They can identify and repair the issue so that your electrical panel and circuits are safe and up to code.
Ground Faults
A ground fault occurs when a hot wire comes into contact with a grounded portion of a system, such as a metal electrical box or bare ground wire. Ground faults can lead to a breaker trip as a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) detects any irregularities in the current and stops the flow of electricity.
Ground faults are often due to damaged insulation, worn-out electrical cords, or moisture near an outlet, such as in bathrooms or kitchens. These faults increase the risk of electrical shock, especially in areas with water. A qualified electrician can help you install GFCI outlets to protect your home from electrical shocks and ensure that your home complies with the National Electrical Code.
Loose or Corroded Wiring
Loose or corroded wires can create inconsistent electrical currents, causing breakers to trip randomly. A licensed electrician can inspect your breaker box, junction boxes, and electrical cords for signs of loose connections or corrosion. Addressing loose or corroded wiring is essential to maintaining a safe system and preventing circuit breaker trips in the future.
Faulty Appliances
Sometimes, it’s not the electrical system but rather a faulty appliance causing the breaker to trip. A malfunctioning appliance can draw more electrical voltage than usual, triggering the circuit breaker to trip.
If you notice that your breaker trips only when you use a particular appliance, it might be time to replace or repair it. Appliances with faulty electrical components or corroded wires can be dangerous, so it’s essential to disconnect and replace them promptly.
A Bad Circuit Breaker
Although rare, circuit breakers can wear out or become faulty. If a circuit breaker itself is damaged, it may not function correctly, leading to frequent trips even when the electrical circuit is fine. Signs of a faulty circuit breaker include a breaker that won’t stay reset or one that feels unusually hot to the touch. If you suspect your breaker is faulty, a qualified electrician can inspect your electrical panel and replace any bad breakers, helping restore reliable function to your home’s electrical system.
Outdated Electrical Panel
Older homes may have outdated electrical panels that are not equipped to handle the energy demands of modern appliances and devices. If your home still uses fuses or has a breaker box that’s decades old, it might not be up to today’s safety standards and could be tripping frequently under normal use conditions.
Upgrading your electrical panel can give you access to more electrical circuits and modern breakers that can better handle today’s power loads. An experienced electrician from Go Electric can assess your current panel and recommend the best course of action for your home’s electrical needs, if that includes an electrical panel replacement, fuse box upgrade, or home rewiring.
Get to the Bottom of Circuit Breaker Trips Today
While it can be tempting to reset the breaker each time it trips, repetitive breaker trips indicate underlying electrical system issues that need attention immediately. Turn to Go Electric, LLC, for expert solutions. Our team of qualified electricians can diagnose the problem, repair faulty wiring, install new dedicated circuits, and replace bad circuit breakers. Contact us today, and let us help you prevent circuit overloads, avoid electrical fires, and ensure your electrical system is up to code.
