Reasons Your Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping

Do you have a problem with your circuit breaker tripping? If so, you’re not alone. A lot of people have this same issue, and unfortunately, not many know what to do about it.

In this guide, we will discuss the reasons why your circuit breaker keeps tripping, and what you can do to fix it. We will also provide some helpful tips on how to prevent this from happening in the future.

What is a Circuit Breaker?

A circuit breaker is an electrical switch that is used to protect your home from an overload or a short circuit. It is usually located in your main electrical panel.

When the current flowing through the circuit breaker exceeds the capacity of the breaker, it will trip and break the circuit. This prevents damage to your home and appliances.

Common Reasons Why Circuit Breakers Trip

There are several reasons why your circuit breaker may be tripping. The most common reasons are:

1.
Overloaded circuit

This is the most common reason for a circuit breaker to trip. It occurs when too much electricity is flowing through the wires. This can happen if you have too many appliances plugged into one circuit, or if you are using large appliances that use a lot of power. Circuit overload can also be caused by faulty wiring.

2.
Short circuit

A short circuit occurs when there is a break in the flow of electricity. This can happen if the wires are damaged, or if something is touching them that shouldn’t be.

3.
Ground fault

A ground fault occurs when there is a difference in the electrical current between the ground wire and the hot wire. This can happen if there is a break in the ground wire or if something is plugged into an outlet that is not grounded.

4.
Appliance failure

Appliance failure is another common reason for circuit breakers to trip. This can happen if an appliance overheats, or if there is a problem with the wiring.

5.
Storms

Lightning striking a nearby electric cable can cause a power surge. This can damage your appliances, and cause the circuit breaker to trip.

How Do You Know if a Circuit Breaker Has Tripped?

There are a few signs that you can look for to help you identify if a circuit breaker has tripped. The most common sign is that the power in your home will go out.

Other signs include:

If you notice any of these signs, it is important to check the circuit breaker panel to see if the breaker has tripped.

What to Do if Your Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping?

If your circuit breaker keeps tripping, it is important to find the cause of the problem and fix it. Otherwise, you could damage your appliances or even start a fire.

Here are a few things that you can do if your circuit breaker keeps tripping:

Find the source of the problem

The first thing that you need to do is find the source of the problem. If you are not sure what is causing the circuit breaker to trip, you can call an electrician. They will be able to help you identify the problem and fix it.

To find the source of the problem, you can start by unplugging all of the appliances and electronics in your home. Then, turn on each circuit breaker one at a time. If the circuit breaker trips, you know that there is a problem with that circuit.

Unplug appliances

If you have too many appliances plugged into one circuit, it can cause the circuit breaker to trip. Try unplugging some of the appliances and see if that solves the problem. This is especially common during the holidays when people have their Christmas lights plugged in.

Replace damaged cords

If you have any appliances with damaged cords, it is important to replace them. Damaged cords can cause a short circuit and trip the circuit breaker. This is also considered a fire hazard, and should be fixed as soon as possible.

To replace a damaged cord, you need to unplug the appliance and remove the old cord. Then, you can install the new cord and plug the appliance back in.

Replace damaged wiring

If the wiring in your home is damaged, it can cause the circuit breaker to trip. You will need to hire an electrician to replace the damaged wiring. You need to be very careful when dealing with electricity, so it is best to leave this to a professional.

Upgrade your electrical panel

If your electrical panel is old, it may not be able to handle the current flowing through it. You will need to upgrade your electrical panel to a newer model.

Get a professional electrician to examine your system for a fault

If you have tried all of these things and your circuit breaker still keeps tripping, it is time to call an electrician. They will be able to help you find the problem, and come up with a plan to solve it..

An electrician will also be able to examine your electrical system and find any faults. They can then repair or replace the damaged parts.

How to Prevent Circuit Breakers From Tripping

If your circuit breaker keeps tripping, there are a few things you can do to prevent it from happening.

Don't overload - One reason your circuit breaker might trip is if you overload the circuit. This happens when you have too many devices plugged into one outlet or circuit. To keep this from happening, make sure you don’t have too many devices plugged in at one time.
Check for damaged wiring - Another reason your circuit breaker might trip is because of damaged wiring. If the wires in your home are old or damaged, they might not be able to handle the amount of electricity flowing through them. This can cause a fire. To prevent this, have an electrician check your home's wiring and replace any damaged or outdated wires.
Use surge protectors - A surge protector is a device that protects your electronics from power surges. Power surges can damage your electronics, and cause your circuit breaker to trip. To prevent this, use a surge protector for all of your electronics.
Check all plugged electronics in your circuit - If you have a lot of devices plugged into one circuit, it can cause the circuit breaker to trip. To prevent this, unplug all of your devices and then plug them back in one at a time. This will help you identify which device is causing the problem.
Replace old outlets - Old outlets can also cause your circuit breaker to trip. To prevent this, have an electrician replace any old outlets in your home.

These are just a few things you can do to prevent your circuit breaker from tripping.

How Many Times Can You Reset a Circuit Breaker?

Just like any other electrical component in your home, circuit breakers have a limited lifespan. In most cases, you can reset a breaker around 20 times before it needs to be replaced.

If you find yourself constantly resetting your breaker, it’s time to call an electrician to take a closer look.

What is the Life Expectancy of a Circuit Breaker?

The average lifespan of a circuit breaker is around 20 years. However, this can vary depending on the type of breaker, and how often it is used.

If you have an older home with an outdated electrical system, it is a good idea to have an electrician come and take a look. They might recommend replacing your old circuit breakers with new ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a tripped circuit breaker mean a power outage?

A tripped circuit breaker can cause a brief power outage, but they are not necessarily one and the same. Tripped circuit breakers are usually caused by a power surge. This can happen when too much electricity is flowing through the wires in your home. If this happens, the circuit breaker will trip, and the power will be cut off to that circuit.

Where are ground fault circuit interrupters required?

Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are required in all wet or damp locations. This includes kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and outdoor outlets. GFCIs help prevent electrical shocks by cutting off the power when they detect a ground fault.

Do loose or corroded wires cause a circuit breaker to trip?

Yes, loose or corroded wires can cause a circuit breaker to trip. This is because they are not able to handle the amount of electricity flowing through them. If you notice any loose or corroded wires, have an electrician come and take a look.

What fuse box do I need for my home?

The type of fuse box you need for your home depends on the age of your home, and the amount of electricity you use. If you have an older home with a 60-amp electrical panel, you will need to upgrade to a new 100 or 200-amp panel.

Your circuit breaker is an important part of your electrical system. If it trips, there are a few things you can do to reset it. However, if you find yourself constantly resetting your breaker, then the best course of action is to call an electrician. They will be able to help you by taking a look at your wiring, and fixing any problems that may be present.