Common Causes of Circuit Breaker Tripping

Common Causes of Circuit Breaker Tripping

Common Causes of Circuit Breaker Tripping

 

Have you ever been in the middle of cooking or watching TV when suddenly all your lights go off? You investigate and find out that your circuit breaker has tripped again. This can be an indication of a bigger electrical problem which you should never ignore. There are many reasons why your circuit breaker keeps tripping, and today we are going to explore some of the most common ones. We hope this guide will help you diagnose and understand the root cause of your electrical issue.

 

Overloaded Circuit

One of the most common causes of circuit breaker tripping is an overloaded circuit. When you have too many electrical devices or appliances plugged into one outlet, the circuit is overloaded, and the breaker is triggered to prevent electrical fires. This means you should distribute the electrical load evenly across several outlets or install a surge protector to safeguard against circuit overloads. However, if the circuit keeps tripping even after redistributing the electrical load, then it’s a sign of an underlying problem, and you should call a professional electrician.

Short Circuits

Short circuits happen when a hot wire touches a neutral or ground wire. This can be due to old, frayed, or damaged wires. Short circuits cause a large flow of current to pass through the circuit, and the breaker is triggered as a safety feature. If you suspect a short circuit, it’s best to call a professional electrician immediately to avoid any electrical fires.

Ground Faults

Ground faults occur when a hot wire touches a ground wire or a metal box. This can be due to faulty appliances or damaged wiring. Ground faults cause the circuit to trip as a safety precaution. If you have a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet, it will automatically shut off when it senses a ground fault. If you experience frequent ground faults, it’s time to call a licensed electrician to fix the issue.

Faulty Circuit Breaker

If your circuit breaker keeps tripping and you’ve ruled out short circuits, ground faults, and circuit overloads, the problem may be a faulty circuit breaker. Circuit breakers wear out over time and may need to be replaced. If you suspect a faulty circuit breaker, you should call a professional electrician to test and replace it.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, if your circuit breaker keeps tripping, it’s a sign of an underlying electrical problem that needs to be addressed. Some of the causes of circuit breaker tripping include overloaded circuits, short circuits, ground faults, and faulty circuit breakers. These are not problems that you should attempt to fix on your own, as it may lead to electrical fires or even electrocution. Instead, call a licensed and trusted electrician to evaluate and fix the issue. If you're looking for electrical contractors in Apopka, FL, feel free to contact Spectrum Electric for all your electrical needs. Our team is licensed, experienced, and dedicated to providing quality service that exceeds your expectations.

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