You reset the breaker, the power comes back, and then it trips again. Frustrating, especially when you can’t tell what set it off. A breaker shuts off power when it detects a problem on the circuit. Sometimes the cause is as simple as running too many appliances at once. Other times, it takes an electrician to find a fault in the wiring or equipment.
Why Does a Circuit Breaker Trip?
A breaker protects the wiring on its circuit. If too much current flows, it cuts the power before the wiring can overheat. Some breakers also detect ground faults or electrical arcing. So when a breaker trips, pay attention to what was running and when the trip happened. Those details can help narrow down the cause, though they won’t tell you for certain what needs repair.
1. The Circuit is Overloaded
An overload happens when everything running on a circuit draws more power than it can handle. You might see this when a microwave and another kitchen appliance run at the same time, or when a portable heater shares a circuit with other devices.
An overloaded breaker may trip after the appliances have been running for a while. Turning off some of them may solve the immediate problem. If the circuit trips during normal use, an electrician can check the load and determine if the home needs a dedicated circuit for a particular appliance.
2. An Appliance or Cord Has a Problem
Does the breaker trip every time you turn on the same appliance? The appliance, its cord, or its connection could be the cause. Unplug it and leave it unplugged until you know it’s safe to use. If the breaker stops tripping without that appliance, you’ve found a useful clue for the repair technician.
3. There’s a Short Circuit or Ground Fault
A short circuit occurs when current takes an unintended path between conductors. A ground fault involves current taking an unintended path to ground. Damaged wiring, a faulty device, or moisture in an outdoor electrical box can cause these problems.
A breaker that trips immediately after you reset it needs attention. Leave it off and call an electrician, especially if nothing plugged into the circuit explains the trip. Don’t keep resetting it to see if it will stay on.
4. An Arc Fault Breaker Detects a Problem
If the breaker is labeled AFCI, it may be detecting electrical arcing. Arcing can occur at a damaged cord, a loose connection, or another point on the circuit. AFCI breakers can also trip for other reasons, so the label alone doesn’t give you a diagnosis. An electrician can test the circuit and find out why it’s shutting off.
5. The Breaker or Panel Needs Attention
Breakers can wear out, and problems at the panel can also cause trouble. But a tripping breaker does not automatically mean you need a new panel. The circuit and connected equipment should be checked before anyone recommends replacing a breaker or upgrading the panel.
What Should You Do When a Breaker Keeps Tripping?
Start with what you can observe without opening the panel or working on wiring.
- Note which rooms or outlets lost power
- Think back to what you turned on right before the trip
- Turn off or unplug appliances on the affected circuit, if you can do so safely
- Check for an appliance with a damaged cord, a hot plug, or signs of moisture. Stop using anything that appears damaged
If there are no signs of damage, heat, or burning, you can try resetting the breaker once after turning off the connected appliances. Move the switch fully to OFF, then back to ON. If it trips again, leave it off and schedule an electrical inspection.
If you smell burning, see scorch marks, hear buzzing, or notice heat at an outlet or panel, stop using the affected circuit and call an electrician immediately. Don’t remove the panel cover or replace the breaker with one rated for more amps.
The Electrical Safety Foundation International has additional guidance on resetting a tripped breaker.
Get to the Bottom of a Tripping Breaker with EWH
A breaker that keeps tripping is interrupting your day, but it’s also giving you a reason to check the circuit. Electrical Works of Houston can track down why your breaker keeps tripping and fix the problem so you can stop wondering when the power will go out again.
Ready to get it fixed? Book an electrical service visit with our Houston team ASAP!