Tripped Breaker Again? Here’s What Might Be Causing It

Here at Mr. Electric, we are familiar with the common causes of tripping circuit breakers, so you can trust us to help you with circuit breaker repair. In today’s blog post, we look at the common causes of tripping circuit breakers and why you should call us for help.

Overloaded Circuits

One of the most frequent causes of a tripped breaker is simply having too many devices pulling power from the same circuit. If you plug in your space heater, microwave, coffee maker, and toaster all into one outlet, the demand may exceed the circuit’s capacity. When this happens, the breaker trips to prevent overheating and possible fire risks.

What to do:

• Unplug unnecessary appliances or move them to different outlets.
• Avoid using high-wattage devices on the same circuit simultaneously.
• If circuit overloads are a recurring problem, consider hiring a licensed electrical repair service to upgrade your electrical panel or install additional circuits.

Short Circuits

A short circuit happens when a “hot” wire carrying electricity touches a neutral wire or another hot wire, creating a sudden surge of electrical current. When this occurs, breakers are designed to trip instantly to prevent damage and overheating. Signs of a short circuit include sparks, burning smells, or scorch marks near outlets and switches.

What to do:

• Turn off power to the affected area immediately.
• Avoid using the outlet or device that caused the trip.
• Contact a professional electrical repair service to inspect your wiring and fix any damaged components. Attempting to repair this yourself can be dangerous without the proper tools and knowledge.

Ground Faults

Ground faults are similar to short circuits but happen when electricity escapes to the ground through faulty wiring, appliances, or damp areas. Kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor outlets are particularly prone to ground faults, especially if they lack proper GFCI protection.

What to do:

• Check if the tripped breaker is connected to outlets in damp or wet locations.
• Install GFCI outlets in areas near water to prevent dangerous shocks.
• If the problem persists, a licensed electrician in Duncanville can test your wiring and appliances to find the exact source of the fault.

Faulty Appliances or Devices

Sometimes, the issue isn’t with your wiring or breaker at all—it’s with an appliance. A malfunctioning device can draw more power than intended, causing the breaker to trip repeatedly. Common culprits include old microwaves, heaters, air conditioners, and refrigerators.

What to do:

• Unplug the suspected appliance and reset the breaker.
• Plug the device back in and test it. If the breaker trips again, you’ve likely found the issue.
• Replace or repair the faulty appliance before using it again to avoid damaging your electrical system.

A Weak or Failing Circuit Breaker

Circuit breakers can wear out over time. If your home has an older electrical panel or your breaker has been tripping frequently, it may no longer function properly. A failing breaker won’t reliably handle the current load, creating both inconvenience and safety hazards.

What to do:

• Have an electrician test the breaker to see if it needs replacement.
• If your home’s electrical system hasn’t been upgraded in decades, consider a full panel inspection.
• Upgrading your panel can increase your home’s capacity and reduce the risk of constant tripping.

Tripping Circuit Breakers? Help is Available!

Knowing what causes tripping circuit breakers can help you maintain electrical safety and protect your loved ones. Taking preventive measures and working with certified electricians can reduce the risk of breaker trips and enhance electrical safety. Always prioritize safety and hire experienced professionals for electrical troubleshooting.

If you need reliable circuit breaker repair in your home or business, turn to the experts at Mr. Electric. Our team will fix the underlying problem and implement any necessary upgrades to support proper functionality. Contact Mr. Electric today for a free estimate and experience peace of mind.