10 Common Reasons Why Your Breaker Keeps Tripping and How to Fix It

So why does the circuit breaker keep tripping; When your breaker trips, you will experience inconvenience and you will be worried whether your house is safe to live in. Learning about the causes behind this problem and how to rectify it might help you avoid electrical problems that could be dangerous and expensive to address like the breaker constantly tripping.

“Circuit breakers commonly trip due to circuit overloads, short circuits, or ground faults. Overloads occur when a circuit exceeds its capacity, leading to overheating. Short circuits happen when a hot wire contacts a neutral wire, causing excessive current flow. Ground faults arise when a hot wire touches a grounded component. Frontdoor”

In this article, let’s take a look at 10 of the most common causes of breaker keeps tripping and doable ways to solve them by Myrtle Beach Electrician and learn about why does the circuit breaker keep tripping and how to fix a breaker that keeps tripping. 

Why breaker keeps tripping?

But why does the circuit breaker keep tripping; A breaker constantly tripping is basically an electrical switch that is aimed at not protecting the electrical circuit from damage due to overloading or short-circuiting. But these must be constant and repeatedly tripped to warrant that there is a problem that needs to be fixed. If you’re experiencing this issue, consulting a residential electrician Myrtle Beach can help diagnose and resolve the underlying electrical problem efficiently.

1. Overloaded Circuits; what causes circuit breaker to keep tripping

So how to fix a breaker that keeps tripping; Overloading is one of the leading causes that a circuit breaker always trips or the breaker keeps tripping. Hence circuit breaker keeps tripping when more gadgets demand current at a given time than the current the breaker can handle.

Solution:

Unplug devices not in use.

• Fragmentate use of appliances over different circuits.
• If you are using such a circuit, consider enhancing it by contacting the professionals.

2. Short Circuits; is it dangerous if circuit breaker keeps tripping

Random circuit breaker tripped or breaker keeps tripping may be caused by a short circuit. This happens either when a hot wire touches the neutral or ground wire which results in over-current flow.

Solution:

• Check for shape-hard evidence of a short circuit like a burn smell or burnt wire.
• Switch off electricity to the circuit if possible and seek the help of an electrician.

3. Ground Fault Surges

Ground fault surges are the result of electricity making an unwanted path to the ground causing the circuit breaker keeps tripping which may result from wiring problems or disasters such as flood-damaged appliances.

Solution:

• Check and sometimes repair spoilt cords or appliances.
• Add GFCIs for increased safety of the electrical systems in the house.

4. Old or Faulty Circuit Breaker; breaker keeps tripping

The question; why does the circuit breaker keep tripping, A faulty or outdated breaker can be one that cannot handle normal electrical loads and ends up circuit breaker keeps tripping

Solution:

how to fix a breaker that keeps tripping; Call the professionals to schedule a circuit breaker replacement to upgrade the system to meet the newer safety standards.

5. Appliance Issues

If a fridge or air conditioning system is faulty or requires a lot of energy upon start up then your breaker is likely to have a circuit breaker tripped.

Solution:

• Tear down appliances independently and troubleshoot for the ones that are not working as they should.
• Replace or repair faulty devices, that caused the problem in the first place.

6. Wiring Problems

The breaker keeps tripping randomly due to electrical faults arising from damaged, loose, or exposed wires.

Solution:

• Visually examine the wiring.
• The wiring system of a house must be assessed and fixed by a qualified electrician.

7. Weather-Related Issues

Electrical trips may occur due to storms causing; circuit breaker trips randomly, lightning as well and humidity, which affect your electrical system which means that circuit breaker replacement is actually required.

Solution:

• Switches – using surge protectors to prevent appliances from damage.
• Water damage should be resolved as soon as possible to avoid other problems.

8. The Breaker Should Be Tripping Constantly Due To Arc Faults

why does the circuit breaker keep tripping; Arc faults happen when there is accidental release of electric current most especially as a result of worn-out wires or loose joints.

Solution:

• Regarding electrical safety measures, he said the following: Properly working arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCI) should be installed.
• Periodically check for signs of wear in the joints of a connection.

9. High Electrical Demand Areas

Some areas in a house such as dining and working stations that require many appliances demand high current and might trip the circuits most often.

Solution:

• Designate certain circuits for such zones that require high quantities of usage.
• Minimize the current density of electrical load on circuits.

10. Is it Safe If You Keep Pressing The Circuit Breaker Button?

Of course, the recurrence of breaker keeps tripping confirms that there is a constant issue that may result in fire or electric shock hazards.

Solution:

• Do not take the problem lightly—call for an inspection today.
• Check with your professional technicians for the repairs or enhancements necessary.

Conclusion

By being aware of the causes of your breaker keeps tripping most often and responding to them rate you can avoid a likewise circumstance affecting your electrical system. For any help regarding electric services or circuit breaker replacement, Myrtle Beach Electrician is here at your service, being your local electrician, for more information Email us at william@mb-electrician.com.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. I was wondering why my breaker keeps tripping frequently especially if I am using some appliances.

This can be caused by wiring problems, short-circuiting, or breakers going bad at random. If you have any of these please see a doctor so you can get the correct diagnosis.

2. Can it be risky if there is constant tripping of the circuit breaker; is it dangerous if circuit breaker keeps tripping?

Yes, this is true breaker constantly tripping should be taken seriously as it may be an indication of an entrenched electrical issue that may cause fire and or electric shock. 

3. What should I do when a breaker has tripped and it is frequently tripping?

First, always begin with disconnecting any devices and then resetting the breaker. If you face this problem, then you should call an electrician and check your system.

4. Is it possible to upgrade the circuit breaker so that it cannot trip?

Yes, one can go for the one with a higher capacity as a means of solving the overload problems but this has to be done under the direction of a licensed electrician only.

5. What makes a circuit breaker trip apart from current overloading?

Common causes may include short circuits, ground faults, or arc faults. A calculation should be done by a professional in order to get accurate calculations.