It’s a common household annoyance—but it could be a sign of something more serious. A breaker that keeps tripping means your electrical system is protecting you from potential danger. But repeated trips are your cue to investigate.
Let’s walk through the top reasons breakers trip and what actions you can take.
Description: When too many appliances or devices draw power from a single circuit, it can exceed the breaker’s limit.
What to Look For:
Breaker trips when multiple appliances run at the same time
Lights dim when a new device is plugged in
Solution:
Unplug unused devices and redistribute to other circuits. For high-demand appliances, consider a dedicated circuit installation.
Description: Happens when a hot wire touches a neutral or ground wire, causing a large flow of electricity.
What to Look For:
Breaker trips instantly
Burnt smell, black marks near outlets or cords
Solution:
This can be dangerous. Turn off power immediately and call a licensed electrician.
Description: Similar to a short circuit, but happens when electricity escapes to a grounded surface—common in wet areas like bathrooms or kitchens.
What to Look For:
Breaker or GFCI outlet trips around sinks or appliances
Tingling sensation when touching metal
Solution:
Install or replace GFCI outlets. Call a professional for inspection if it happens more than once.
Description: A single faulty appliance can cause a breaker to trip when plugged in.
What to Look For:
Breaker trips only when using one appliance
Appliance sparks, feels hot, or smells burnt
Solution:
Unplug and test on another circuit. If the problem follows the appliance, it’s time for a replacement or repair.
Description: Older panels might not support modern electrical needs or code requirements.
What to Look For:
Frequent breaker trips in different rooms
Buzzing sounds or warmth from the panel
Solution:
If your panel is over 25 years old, schedule an electrical panel upgrade.
It’s okay to flip a breaker back on—but repeated tripping should never be ignored. Don’t wait for a small warning to become a major (and expensive) repair.
If your breaker keeps tripping, we can help. Our certified electricians offer:
Electrical troubleshooting
Panel upgrades
Whole-home safety inspections