Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping? Here’s Why & How to Fix

There is nothing more irritating — and distracting — than the power going out right before your favorite show. If this has become a pattern in your home, something is causing your circuit breaker to trip. But the question remains, “Why is this happening and what can I do to fix it?”

The professional electricians from LimRic have provided the following breakdown to answer those exact questions. Continue reading to learn more about what causes a circuit breaker to trip and what you can do to prevent it.

What Causes a Breaker to Trip?

A tripped circuit breaker can put a damper on movie night, but consistent trips should be a big red flag. Persistent trips are usually linked to a more severe problem, such as electrical shorts, problematic ground faults, or even an appliance overheating. 

These are big problems that shouldn’t be ignored, so it’s best to quickly contact your electrician to investigate your breaker and get to the bottom of what’s causing the problem.

Overheating Appliances

Appliances that draw a large amount of energy can sometimes cause the breaker to trip. These can be items like washers, dryers, fridges, and ovens. 

For some appliances, there can be technical issues, such as blocked dryer vents. If you are unsure if an appliance is overheating, take mental notes of appliances you use often, or if any item feels hotter than usual.

How to Fix

To keep your appliances running without the risk of tripping, make sure to:

• Regularly clean accumulated dirt and grime 
• Check your outlets for any damage or signs of being overloaded (sparks or soot) 
• Avoid overloading extension cords
• Routinely check the condenser on your refrigerator

Overloaded Circuit

An overloaded circuit happens when it draws more power than it can handle. 

Various signals around the home can indicate an overloaded circuit, from flickering lights and burning smell to overheated appliances and strange humming noises.

How to Fix

Investigating an overloaded circuit can be broken down into the following options.

• Pay attention to the various signs and check your breaker box for the tripped switch.
• Find the breaker that was tripped and flip it from “off” to “on”.
• One by one, plug in your electronics and stop if you see visual damage on the wiring or the wall outlets.
• Shift a few of your devices over to another circuit; this distributes the load, preventing the chance of overloading. 
• Only use one of your high-powered appliances at a time.

In addition, a great way of avoiding overloaded circuits is by consulting an expert electrician from LimRic. We’re experts in circuit breaker installations, repairs, and replacements. These installations are reserved only for a single electronic appliance, providing power without the risk of overloading the entire system.

Short Circuit

Short circuits occur when the connection between two points in an electrical circuit has low resistance. This means that the electrical current can potentially follow an unintended path and create an excessive current flow.

The electrical surge that is created can trip the breaker and lead to other risks like electrical fires or outright damaging your electronics or appliances connected to the system.

Some short circuit causes can be when you have severed wiring from pests, like rats. If wiring is functional, hot wires can cause a short circuit when they contact another wire or neutral wiring, or even the ground. For some, an appliance with old or malfunctioning parts can cause a short circuit. 

How to Fix

Fixing a short circuit comes with a great risk of danger, so it’s best to leave the repair in the hands of a professional electrician. Here’s what you can do while you wait for the pros:

• Completely reset your breaker, which means unplugging all appliances and turning off the switches on the circuit. If a short occurs immediately, it means your circuit or system is having a problem. If the short is not immediate, there might be a larger underlying issue needing diagnosis.

• Find the problematic item causing the short circuit. In some cases, whole circuits are at fault, which you can find simply by flipping on light switches one by one. If the breaker does not get tripped after doing this, it’s probably a specific appliance. Plug each appliance one by one to see which one causes a trip.

Ground Fault

This happens when a wire with electrical current (called a “hot” wire) touches a ground part of your electrical system, causing the breaker to trip. 

This can be an appliance, your switch box, or even a bare ground wire. Common causes behind ground faults can be linked to poorly insulated wiring, water leaks, or damaged appliances.

How to Fix

Unfortunately, ground faults are not a problem to fix on your own. Ground faults are caused by your electrical system being exposed to another element, like water. 

To avoid possible safety hazards, have a professional electrician conduct a thorough assessment to get to the bottom of your issue. 

Warning Signs that Your Circuit Breaker Has Gone Bad

Your circuit breaker has gone bad on you if you start noticing problems like:

• Constant trips
• A burning smell coming from your electrical box
• Persistent trips even after resetting
• A breaker too hot to touch
• Visual damage, such as burn marks 
• An older electrical panel
• A panel that has not been serviced in the last 10 years

Essential Electrical Safety Tips & When to Call an Electrician

Dealing with electrical repairs is always a risky thing. When dealing with a problematic circuit breaker, always keep these precautions in mind:

• Always be cautious when working near electricity.

• Never attempt to repair any electrical item unless you have proper qualifications and authorization.

• Inspect electrical cords and equipment to make sure they are free from defects when working in wet environments.

• Always have a professional electrician check a wet electrical item before attempting to supply energy.

While a circuit breaker constantly tripping can be an annoying problem to have, it pays to stay on the safe side. Call an expert electrician to help you, as they have both the expertise and skills to safely diagnose and address your breaker issue.

Don’t Ignore the Signs! Protect Your Home from Electrical Risks With LimRic

Has your circuit breaker been having a tripping issue lately? Have you noticed a pungent burning smell coming from your breaker? These are the red flags signaling you to call on the expert electricians from LimRic. 

Our experts thoroughly investigate the causes behind your frequent trips and utilize safe and efficient repair methods to fully restore your breaker to full functionality. Leave your circuit breakers to us and enjoy your electrical comforts, trip-free.

FAQs About Circuit Breakers That Keep Tripping