Nothing is more frustrating than losing power, especially when it always seems to happen at the most inconvenient times. And if this happens repeatedly, that annoyance can quickly turn to dread. Before you assume the worst, know that there are several reasons for why a circuit breaker keeps tripping and some of them are easily fixable. Continue reading to learn about the most common reasons for circuit breaker trips as well as how to identify them before they cause damage.
Why a Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping
While circuit breaker tripping can be annoying, it keeps your home safe. When too much electricity starts to flow through the breaker, it trips or stops the electricity in its tracks. Without a circuit breaker trip, your home is in danger of excessive electricity running through your systems which can cause fires and severe damage to your space. However, if your breaker keeps tripping there is usually an underlying problem that needs to be addressed. Here are the most common reasons a circuit breaker might trip:
Overloads
Every circuit has a certain amount of electricity it can handle, if this limit is exceeded the unit will overload. This is usually caused by having too many devices running on the same circuit at the same time. As a result, the circuit breaker trips, and all power is shut off so the system isn’t damaged. If you think overloading might be the cause of a tripped breaker, check for buzzing sounds coming from outlets, slow charge times for devices plugged into that circuit, and scorch marks on outlets and light switches. If any of these signs are present, try redistributing the appliances more evenly between circuits.
Short Circuits
A tripped breaker can also be caused by a short circuit which happens when two wires that shouldn’t touch come into contact, causing a surge in electricity through the wires. This usually happens because the wires are loose or frayed, making them more likely to touch one another. If you think a short is to blame for repetitive circuit breaker tripping, check for popping sounds, discolored outlets or switches, and burning smells. With a short circuit, you’re likely to easily identify it, just be careful when investigating it or call an electrician to avoid potentially dangerous wiring issues.
Ground Faults
When a circuit breaker trips, it is meant to protect you from electricity if something in your wiring system goes wrong. Ground faults can be especially dangerous, as they happen when electricity escapes its looped path. Electricity will always look for the fastest way to the ground, so once it’s free from the circuit it will use anything, including you, to get there. This is why homes have ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) that sense when ground faults occur and shut off the electrical current to the specific outlet. So, if you’re not able to use an outlet with the test and reset buttons, it’s possible you’re dealing with a tripped breaker caused by a ground fault and should call an electrician right away.
Identify the Problem
If a circuit breaker keeps tripping, it’s important to learn why so you can take the necessary steps to fix it. Just flipping switches to turn the power back on won’t reveal the problem and actually increases the likelihood of electrical damage or fire risks. So, when a circuit breaker trips, check the flipped switch’s corresponding label and turn off and unplug everything in that room. Doing this helps prevent an immediate trip when you reset the breaker and makes it easier to pinpoint the problem. You’ll also want to inspect the breaker panel for any burn marks, melted plastic, or burning smells. These signs could indicate a serious electrical issue so if they are present do not reset the breaker and call an electrician immediately. If none of these signs are present, it’s time to reset the breaker and test the circuit.
Reset and Test the Tripped Breaker
After everything has been turned off and unplugged in the affected area, turn the breaker all the way off before switching it back on. If the circuit breaker trips immediately, you likely have a short and need to call a licensed professional to fix the situation. If this doesn’t happen, start by turning on the lights and fans connected to the circuit, leaving them on throughout the test.
Next, plug everything back in one at a time. Make sure your appliances are on and wait between each plug in to watch for a tripped breaker. If this happens, turn off the last thing you plugged in, reset the breaker, and try turning the device back on. If the circuit breaker trips again, either the device or the outlet is the issue. To be sure, try plugging a different device into the same outlet which will tell you which one is causing the problem. You will either need a new device or need to call an electrician to fix the faulty outlet.
Need Help Taking Care of Your Electrical Systems?
Circuit breaker trips can indicate larger issues at play, so the last thing you want to do is reset the breaker and forget about it. If your circuit breaker keeps tripping, don’t put off maintenance any longer. Call to schedule a consultation with Landis Electric LLC today to get reliable help with all your electrical needs and keep your home safe.