Reasons Why Your Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping

Reasons Why Your Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping

Reasons Why Your Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping

Have you been repeatedly turning your circuit breaker back on after it trips?  Are you getting tired of your circuit breaker tripping when you use everyday appliances?  There could be a reason your circuit breaker keeps tripping, and it may be able to be prevented or permanently fixed. A circuit breaker is an electrical control center in your home that is operated by either manual or automatic switches.  When it trips, it is cutting off the flow of electricity in order to prevent overheating or more electrical damage.   If you are tired of your circuit breaker tripping, it may be time to contact electrical contractors in Winter Park, FL to come out for an inspection.  There are a few common reasons why your circuit breaker might keep tripping.

Circuit Overloads

Circuit overloads are one of the main causes of tripping circuit breakers.  This happens when you want more electricity to flow than the circuit breaker can handle.  This can cause overheating.  Once the circuit is overheated, all of the appliances that are powered by that circuit are then put at risk.  When your circuit breaker trips, it is preventing your appliances from overheating and incurring permanent damage.  This can also prevent electrical fires.  One way to combat this issue is to distribute your appliances to utilize multiple circuits.  This way, you won't overload one particular circuit and exceed its electrical capacity.

Short Circuits

Short circuits are also a common cause of tripping circuit breakers.  However, short circuits are more dangerous.  These are caused when a hot wire comes into contact with a neutral wire in one of your outlets.  A large amount of electricity then passes through it, and the circuit can simply not handle it.  It trips to prevent any danger, including fires.  This happens when you have faulty wiring or loose connections.  Typically, this is identifiable with a burning smell around the circuit breaker box.  Also, you may notice it has turned brown or black from the burn.  Avoid this with routine electrical inspections by our electrical contractors in Winter Park, FL.

Ground Fault Surges

Ground fault surges are not as common as the first two causes, but they are similar in nature to short circuits.  They occur when a hot wire touches a ground wire made of copper, or when they come in contact with a metal outlet connected to a ground wire.  This also causes more electricity to pass through than the circuit can handle, which causes the circuit breaker to trip.  When it trips, it protects your appliances and your homes from overheating and from potential fires.  You can also identify this issue by smelling a burning odor or noticing a brown or black discoloration around the circuit.

These are a few of the common reasons why circuit breakers frequently trip.  By inspecting the electrical issue behind the trip, you could remedy the issue permanently.  Contact our experienced and reliable team of electrical contractors in Winter Park, FL to come out to your home today.  We can get your home back up and running smoothly in no time.

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