Why Are My Circuit Breakers Tripping?

When you’re in the middle of an amazing Netflix series or about to defeat the final boss, nothing is worse than having a circuit breaker trip. While a circuit breaker tripping is annoying, it’s a vital safety feature. To resolve this problem, there are a few troubleshooting tips you can use. 

If basic troubleshooting doesn’t work, it’s important to reach out to Elkhorn Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical for help. We can diagnose and resolve the electrical problem quickly, so you don’t have to deal with a dangerous electrical hazard.

Understanding Your Circuit Breaker: A Safety Essential 

Before diving into troubleshooting tips, we’ll look at what circuit breakers are and how they work.

What Is a Circuit Breaker?

A circuit breaker is like an automatic safety switch. If there are fluctuations in the power supply, the circuit breaker flips to protect your electrical system from damage. 

In the past, homes often used fuses instead of breakers. Instead of tripping, fuses would blow and then need replacement. While there wasn’t anything inherently dangerous about fuses, the problem was that many people would use pennies or other conductive materials instead of replacing the fuse. This essentially removed the fuse’s safety protection, which is why circuit breakers are now used instead.

How It Works

Normally, electricity flows into your home through the circuit breaker panel. If there is an unsafe condition or too much current, the breaker trips and shuts off the power. This stops the wires from overheating and causing a fire. It also prevents electrical damage to your household appliances.

How To Reset a Tripped Breaker

When you experience circuit breakers tripping, the first step is to find your electrical panel to locate the tripped breaker. It will generally be halfway between the on and off positions or completely off. Then, turn the switch entirely off. Afterward, turn it to the on position. If it immediately trips again, it means that there is an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.

Common Reasons Why Your Circuit Breakers Trip (and Solutions!)

There are a few reasons why a circuit breaker might trip. Depending on the root cause, the troubleshooting steps can vary.

Circuit Overload: The Most Common Cause

This is generally the most common cause. If you have many high-powered devices drawing excessive power, it can trip the breaker. For example, you might be running the coffee maker, toaster, and microwave off of a single circuit while you’re making breakfast.

The easiest solution is to overload some of the extra devices that are plugged in. When you have high-draw appliances, like microwaves and space heaters, plug them into different circuits. 

You may also want to “have dedicated circuits installed for high-powered appliances, like washers, dryers, dishwashers, and ovens. However, this cannot be handled on your own. For new circuits or an electrical panel upgrade, reach out to our expert electricians.

Short Circuit

A short circuit occurs when a hot wire touches a neutral wire or another hot wire. This causes electricity to surge with very low resistance. Often, short circuits happen when there is loose wiring in the switch or outlet. Faulty appliance wiring and frayed cords can also cause short circuits. If this is the problem, you may notice sparks, popping noises, or a burning odor.

Short circuits are not a DIY repair. Immediately unplug all devices from the affected circuit. Check the cords for signs of damage. If there is damage present, the appliances must be disposed of or repaired by a professional. No matter what, you should never fix internal wiring problems on your own.

Ground Fault

A ground fault happens when a hot wire touches a ground wire or grounded surface. This may occur when water or moisture is present. For example, bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas are more likely to have ground faults. Additionally, this can happen if the wiring has damaged insulation.

You can prevent ground faults by installing ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). These outlets are designed to detect faults and trip so that electrical damage and electrocutions don’t happen. Typically, they are installed in bathrooms, kitchens, and areas where moisture is present.   

If you do have a ground fault, start by unplugging any device that is connected to the circuit or GFCI outlet. Look for signs of moisture around the outlet. If the breaker trips after you plug it in, there may be an issue with the wiring or a different underlying problem. In either case, you should have it checked out by a professional. Persistent ground faults represent a serious shock hazard, so they should be fixed by an experienced electrician.

Faulty Circuit Breaker

Over time, circuit breakers can sometimes wear out. If you have a defective or faulty circuit breaker, it may no longer be able to carry its normal electrical load. You may notice that it feels loose or appears discolored. Alternatively, the breaker may trip without an obvious cause. 

If you have managed to rule out all of the other problems, a malfunctioning breaker could be the cause. However, this isn’t an issue you can handle on your own. To ensure the safety of your family and home, you should get the breaker diagnosed and replaced by a trusted electrician.

Wiring Issues in Your Home

Finally, frequently tripped breakers may be connected to wiring issues inside your home. When you have old, damaged, or incorrectly installed wiring, breakers can trip frequently. This may happen due to loose connections, rodent damage, or nails piercing the wires. In older homes that have knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring, insulation often deteriorates and causes tripped breakers.

All of these wiring issues are serious electrical hazards that should be handled by a qualified electrician. Depending on the cause, you may need partial or whole-house rewiring.

When To Call a Professional Electrician 

You should always call for professional help in the following circumstances.

• Your breakers keep tripping after you’ve tried basic DIY troubleshooting.
• The breaker trips as soon as you reset it.
• You smell something burning, notice sparks, or have a discolored outlet.
• The electrical system is made of knob-and-tube wiring, fuse boxes, or aluminum wiring.
• You need to do repairs that are more complex and dangerous.

Get Faulty Circuit Breakers Diagnosed Today

While circuit breakers tripping can be annoying to deal with, it’s an important safety feature. By learning the most common causes and the best solutions for each cause, you can know when to call for help. 

Never ignore the warning signs of a potential electrical danger. Reach out to Elkhorn Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical today for a reliable diagnosis and safe repairs.