Breaker Keeps Tripping? Here's What You Need to Know

So, what gives?

A circuit breaker that keeps tripping is your electrical system waving a big red flag. If it keeps happening, then there's likely an underlying electrical issue that needs more than just a reset.

In this brief article brought to you by Mr. Electric, we take a deeper look at what really causes a circuit breaker to trip repeatedly - and when it’s time to call in a certified electrician to investigate.

First, What Is a Circuit Breaker?

A circuit breaker is basically a safety switch. You will find these inside your electrical panel (sometimes called a breaker box). In short, it keeps an eye on how much electricity is flowing through a certain circuit. If that flow gets too high - whether from too many devices, faulty wiring, or a short - it "trips," or shuts off the power to that circuit.

Circuit breakers are an incredibly important safety feature, but they should not keep tripping again and again. If they do, then something's not right - but what? Let's explore some of the usual suspects.

Common Culprit 1: Overloaded Circuits

The most common reason for a tripping breaker is a circuit overload. This happens when you're trying to draw more power than the circuit is designed to handle.

Let’s say your living room circuit is rated for 15 amps. If you’ve got a TV, space heater, phone charger, gaming console, and a vacuum all running on that same circuit, then you’re probably pushing it past the limit.

If the breaker trips whenever you use certain appliances together, then an overload is likely the issue. Try unplugging a few things and spreading out your devices. For a more permanent solution, consider having an electrician install new circuits or upgrade your panel to meet your energy needs.

Common Culprit 2: You’ve Got a Short Circuit

Short circuits are a more serious issue. This happens when a "hot" wire (carrying power) touches a "neutral" wire or another conductive surface that it shouldn’t. When this happens, a ton of electricity rushes through the system all at once. The breaker trips instantly to stop it before wires start melting or burning.

If you notice a burning smell, scorch marks around an outlet, or hear a “popping” sound before the breaker trips, then don't call an electrician in Georgetown. Don’t try to fix this yourself. Short circuits are dangerous.

Common Culprit 3: Ground Faults

A ground fault is kind of like a short circuit, but it happens when a hot wire touches the ground wire or a grounded surface. This is especially common in bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas where moisture is present. That’s why GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets are required in those areas.

If your breaker trips when using devices near water, then a ground fault may be the cause. If you don't have GFCI outlets in such areas, then have an electrician install one ASAP.

Common Culprit 4: Faulty Appliances

Sometimes the problem isn’t the electrical system but rather the connected appliances. A damaged coffee maker, faulty space heater, or aging refrigerator can draw inconsistent or dangerous levels of electricity. This causes the breaker to trip.

If the breaker only trips when one appliance is plugged in or turned on, then that should be your suspect. Unplug it and test another device in the same outlet. If that works fine, then it’s time to replace the bad appliance.

Common Culprit 5: Outdated Electric Panel

If your home is older and still using the original electrical panel, it might simply not be built to handle modern electrical demands. After all, today's homes are filled with devices, electronics, appliances, and equipment that older systems weren’t designed for.

A certified electrician can upgrade your panel, install new breakers, or expand your system to meet your home’s power needs safely.

Mr. Electric is Always Ready to Help

Your neighborly crew at Mr. Electric is always ready, willing, and able to help. Whether you need a professional's eye or want an emergency circuit breaker repair, the team at Mr. Electric is here to take your call at any time of the day - or night.