3 Reasons Your Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping

Understanding why your circuit breaker keeps tripping can save time and money and prevent potential hazards. Below are three of the most common reasons your breaker won’t stay on and what you can do about it.

Overloaded Circuits

One of the most common reasons a circuit breaker trips is that too much power is drawn from a single circuit. Consider how many devices you plug into one outlet—TVs, gaming consoles, kitchen appliances, and space heaters all pull electricity. If the demand exceeds what the circuit is designed to handle, the breaker shuts off to prevent overheating. Try unplugging and redistributing a few devices to different outlets to fix this issue. Avoid using too many high-wattage appliances at the same time. If this is a constant problem, you may need an electrical panel upgrade to distribute power throughout your home better. An electrician can assess your home’s wiring and determine if you need a new circuit or if an electrical panel installation would be a better long-term solution.

Short Circuits

A short circuit happens when a hot wire touches a neutral wire, causing a surge of electricity. This is dangerous because it can generate excessive heat and even lead to fires. Short circuits usually happen because of damaged wiring, loose connections, or faulty appliances. Signs of a short circuit include a burning smell near outlets or the breaker box, black or brown scorch marks on outlets or switches, and sparks or popping sounds when plugging something in. Unplug everything from that outlet and reset the breaker if you suspect a short circuit. If it trips again immediately, you likely have a wiring issue that needs electrical panel repair or rewiring. It’s best to call Mr. Electric or another licensed professional to inspect your system and fix any problems before they become serious hazards.

Ground Faults

A ground fault occurs when electricity takes an unintended path to the ground, often through water or a metal object. This can be extremely dangerous, especially in areas like kitchens and bathrooms where moisture is common. Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) are required in these spaces—they help prevent shocks and potential fires. To handle ground faults, check if your GFCI outlets have tripped; press the reset button. If the breaker trips again after resetting, there could be a deeper wiring issue. You may need an electrical panel replacement if your current panel is outdated and unable to handle ground faults properly. Again, it’s best to let an electrician like Mr. Electric take a look to ensure your home’s wiring is safe and up to code.

Call an Expert for Help

If your circuit breaker keeps tripping, don’t ignore it. It’s your electrical system telling you something isn’t right. Whether you need an electrical panel installation, a simple repair, or an entire electrical panel replacement, it’s important to address the problem before it becomes a serious safety risk. Mr. Electric and other licensed professionals can help diagnose the issue and provide solutions that keep your home safe and your power running smoothly. Don’t wait for a complete outage—get professional help today and keep your home’s electrical system in top shape!