Looking for a breaker tripping solution? Learn the top reasons your breaker trips and how to safely troubleshoot or fix the issue before calling an electrician. Have you ever experienced that you are in the middle of microwaving your lunch or straightening your hair, and suddenly everything goes dark? You check your panel, and your breaker is tripped again. This is not normal. If your breaker keeps tripping, it is a big red flag. There must be some issue in your electrical system that is not bearing the load of heavy electrical appliances. In this blog, we will discuss what a frequent tripping breaker means.
What Does It Mean When A Breaker Trips?
A circuit breaker is used to protect the electrical system of your home from damage. When there is too much load on your electrical system, the breaker trips and cuts off the power to protect your electrical system from overheating, electrical fires, or damage to your appliances. So, if your breaker is tripping, this is what its job is! But it is also waving a red flag that something is not right.
5 Common Reasons Your Breaker Keeps Tripping
Let’s have a look at the common reasons why your circuit breaker is tripping again and again, and what the possible causes are.
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Overload
An overloaded circuit is the most common cause of a tripped breaker. If you are working with multiple appliances like a toaster, blender, and a coffee maker at the same time, and all are running on the same outlet. This is a lot of power demand, and when the current exceeds what the circuit can handle, the breaker trips to prevent overheating.
| Pro Tip: Try to use a few appliances at a time or spread them across different outlets or circuits to prevent overload. |
- Short Circuit
A short circuit can also be a reason for tripping the breaker. It is more serious and dangerous. It happens when a live wire touches a neutral wire or another live wire, and the result is a sudden surge of electricity. It causes your breaker to shut down immediately to avoid fire or electrical damage.
| Caution!
DO NOT TRY TO FIX THIS YOURSELF! Call the experts to locate and repair the issue. |
- Ground Fault
Just like a short circuit, a ground fault occurs when a hot wire touches a grounded surface, like an appliance frame or a metal box. This is common in areas with more moisture, like kitchens, bathrooms, or outdoor spaces. To avoid this, always use GFCI outlets in areas with high moisture and have a regular electrical inspection for wiring issues.
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Faulty Appliance
Your wiring is not always the reason for breaker tripping. Sometimes, it’s your appliance that is causing the issue. Old or damaged appliances can pull more current than usual or have internal issues that trip the breaker the moment they are turned on. To determine which device is the cause of tripping, unplug the suspected devices and see if the breaker is tripping or not.
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Old Or Worn-Out Circuit Breakers
Circuit breakers can lose their efficacy with time. If your home is older, and a particular breaker keeps tripping, its internal mechanism may be failing. An old breaker can trip more easily than it should, even when there is no real issue.
Some Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore
If your breaker is constantly tripping and showing some warning signs, you should never ignore them. Here are a few warning signs that need professional assistance:
- Frequent breaker tripping without an obvious reason
- Dimming or flickering of lights when appliances turn on
- Scorch marks or a burning smell near your electrical panel or outlet
- Buzzing or crackling sound from switches, outlets, or the breaker box
- Your panel is over 20 years old or outdated
- Warm or hot outlets or switches
- Tingling sensation or electrical shocks when touching an appliance or a metal surface
These are the biggest red flags for your electrical system. If you see any of these warning signs, call the experts ASAP and figure out the issue that is causing it.
Conclusion
A tripping breaker is not just an inconvenience; it is a sign that there is something wrong with your electrical system. Whether it is a faulty appliance, an overloaded circuit, or a wiring issue, there is always some root cause behind it. So, the next time it happens, instead of just flipping it back, take some time to figure out its cause. It will save you a lot in the long run.
FAQs
How to prevent tripping the breaker?
Use less number of devices plugged into the same outlet to prevent overload.
Is it dangerous if my circuit breaker keeps tripping?
Yes, it could be dangerous if it trips frequently. It can be due to overheating, a short circuit, or a ground fault.
What is causing my circuit breaker to trip?
The most common cause is overload, but an old or worn-out circuit breaker can also be the cause.
