A circuit breaker that keeps tripping can be frustrating and sometimes alarming for homeowners. Your breaker is designed to protect your home from electrical hazards, and when it trips repeatedly, it signals that something isn’t right. At Bowen Electric, we’ve helped countless homeowners in Waco and Central Texas troubleshoot and resolve electrical issues, including frequent circuit breaker trips. In this blog, we’ll explore common causes of a tripping breaker, troubleshooting steps you can take, and when it’s time to call a professional electrician.
Common Causes of a Circuit Breaker That Keeps Tripping
Circuit breakers trip as a safety mechanism to prevent overheating, electrical fires, or equipment damage. If your breaker keeps shutting off, it’s trying to tell you something. Here are the most common reasons this happens:
1. Circuit Overload
A circuit overload happens when too many electrical devices are running on the same circuit, drawing more power than it can handle.
Signs of an overloaded circuit:
- The breaker trips when you plug in a high-wattage appliance.
- Lights dim when another appliance turns on.
- You hear buzzing or feel warmth around the outlets.
Common causes of circuit overloads:
- Running multiple kitchen appliances on the same circuit.
- Using space heaters or window AC units.
- Charging multiple devices in one area.
Solution: Try redistributing the electrical load by unplugging some devices and running high-powered appliances on different circuits. If overloads persist, an electrician may need to install additional circuits or upgrade your electrical panel.
2. Short Circuit
A short circuit occurs when a hot wire touches another wire or a conductive surface, creating a sudden surge of electricity that trips the breaker.
Signs of a short circuit:
- A breaker trips immediately after resetting.
- You notice scorch marks or burning smells near outlets.
- You see melted or damaged wires.
Common causes of short circuits:
- Damaged or frayed wires inside walls or appliances.
- Faulty outlets or light switches.
- Water exposure causes electrical arcing.
Solution: If you suspect a short circuit, do not attempt to fix it yourself—this is a serious fire hazard. Call a licensed electrician at Bowen Electric to inspect and repair the issue safely.
3. Ground Fault
A ground fault occurs when electricity strays from its intended path and flows into the ground. This can be dangerous, especially in areas with moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor spaces.
Signs of a ground fault:
- The breaker trips when using appliances near water sources.
- You feel a tingling sensation when touching an outlet.
- The GFCI outlet (if installed) won’t reset.
Common causes of ground faults:
- Faulty or improperly installed appliances.
- Water exposure in outlets or wiring.
- Damaged electrical cords.
Solution: If you suspect a ground fault, test the affected outlet using a GFCI reset button. If the problem continues, call an electrician to inspect the wiring and install proper GFCI protection.
4. Arc Faults (Wiring Issues in Older Homes)
Arc faults happen when wires degrade or become loose, creating dangerous electrical sparks. Modern homes use Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) to prevent this, but older homes may lack these safety features.
Signs of an arc fault:
- Breakers trip randomly without a clear reason.
- You hear crackling or sizzling sounds from outlets or switches.
- You smell burning plastic near electrical fixtures.
Solution: If your home is more than 30 years old, you may have outdated or deteriorating wiring. An electrician can install AFCI breakers and check for unsafe wiring conditions.
Troubleshooting Steps: How to Fix a Tripping Circuit Breaker
If your breaker keeps tripping, follow these step-by-step troubleshooting tips to identify the problem:
Step 1: Identify Which Circuit Is Affected
- Locate your breaker panel (usually in the garage, basement, or utility room).
- Find the tripped breaker, which will be in the "OFF" position or stuck in the middle.
- Check what’s plugged into outlets on that circuit—unplug large appliances or devices that could be overloading it.
Step 2: Reset the Breaker Correctly
- Turn the breaker fully OFF before flipping it back ON.
- If it immediately trips again, this could indicate a short circuit or wiring problem.
Step 3: Test Individual Appliances
- Unplug all devices on the circuit.
- Reset the breaker and plug in one appliance at a time to see if a specific device triggers the trip.
Step 4: Check for Signs of Damage
- Inspect outlets, switches, and cords for burn marks, buzzing sounds, or unusual heat.
- Look for loose wires or damaged insulation.
Step 5: Test the GFCI Outlets
- If your breaker trips in a bathroom or kitchen, press the "RESET" button on the nearest GFCI outlet.
- If it won’t reset or keeps tripping, the problem could be a ground fault or moisture issue.
When to Call an Electrician
While some electrical issues can be resolved by redistributing appliances or resetting a breaker, other problems require a licensed electrician. Call Bowen Electric if:
- The breaker trips repeatedly, even after unplugging appliances.
- You see burn marks, smell burning plastic, or hear buzzing sounds.
- Your breaker panel is over 25 years old and struggles to keep up with your home’s power demands.
- You suspect faulty wiring or an outdated electrical system in an older home.
- You experience shocks or tingling when touching outlets or switches.
- The breaker won’t reset at all, indicating a more serious issue.
At Bowen Electric, we provide comprehensive troubleshooting, panel upgrades, wiring repairs, and electrical safety inspections to ensure your home’s electrical system is working safely and efficiently.
Preventing Future Circuit Breaker Trips
To reduce the chances of frequent breaker trips, follow these preventative tips:
- Avoid Overloading Circuits – Spread out appliances across multiple outlets and use dedicated circuits for high-powered devices.
- Schedule Routine Electrical Inspections – An electrician can identify small issues before they turn into major problems.
- Upgrade Your Electrical Panel - If your home is older or you’ve added new appliances, consider upgrading the panel to handle modern power needs.
- Install Surge Protectors – Whole-home surge protectors can protect against power surges that trip breakers.
Check GFCI & AFCI Protection – Ensure your home has proper GFCI and AFCI outlets in key areas.
