YOUR RESIDENTIAL SERVICE COMPANY • ELECTRICIAN • FIREFIGHTER OWNED • LICENSE & INSURED
YOUR RESIDENTIAL SERVICE COMPANY • ELECTRICIAN • FIREFIGHTER OWNED • LICENSE & INSURED
![[HERO] 10 Reasons Your Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping (And How to Fix It)](https://cdn.marblism.com/7auFEzIP15Y.webp)
There's nothing quite like the frustration of walking down to the basement: again: to flip that circuit breaker back on. If your circuit breaker keeps tripping, you're not alone. It's one of the most common electrical issues homeowners face, and while it might seem like a minor annoyance, it's actually your home's electrical system doing exactly what it's designed to do: protecting you.
At Husch Electric, we're a firefighter-owned company, so we understand the importance of electrical safety better than most. A tripping breaker isn't just inconvenient: it's a warning sign that something needs attention. Let's break down the 10 most common reasons your circuit breaker keeps tripping and what you can do about each one.
Before we dive into the specific causes, here's a quick refresher: your circuit breaker is essentially a safety switch. When it detects an electrical problem: like too much current flowing through a circuit: it "trips" or shuts off to prevent overheating, electrical fires, or damage to your appliances.
So when your breaker trips, it's doing its job. The real question is: what's causing it to work overtime?
The most common culprit. An overloaded circuit happens when you're drawing more power than the circuit can handle. Think about it: your grandparents didn't have gaming consoles, multiple TVs, air fryers, and home offices all running at once.
Signs to watch for:
The fix: Redistribute your high-wattage devices across different circuits. Avoid plugging multiple power-hungry appliances into the same outlet or circuit. If you find yourself constantly shuffling devices around, it might be time to consider adding dedicated circuits for major appliances.
A short circuit is more serious than an overload. It occurs when a hot wire comes into contact with a neutral wire, creating a path of least resistance that causes a massive surge of current. This can generate significant heat and even sparks.
Warning signs:
The fix: This one requires professional attention. Don't attempt to diagnose or repair short circuits yourself: the risk of electrical shock or fire is too high. Call a licensed electrician to inspect your wiring and identify the source.
Similar to a short circuit, a ground fault happens when a hot wire touches a ground wire or any grounded part of your electrical system (like a metal outlet box). The result is an uncontrolled flow of electricity that trips the breaker.
Ground faults are especially common in areas with moisture, like bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and outdoor spaces.
The fix: GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets are designed specifically to protect against ground faults. If you don't have GFCI outlets in wet areas of your home, getting them installed should be a priority. A professional inspection can determine if ground faults are causing your breaker issues.
Sometimes the problem isn't your electrical system at all: it's what's plugged into it. Appliances with damaged cords, internal wiring issues, or worn-out components can draw irregular current and trip your breaker.
How to identify the culprit:
The fix: Once you've identified the faulty appliance, stop using it immediately. Either have it repaired by a qualified technician or replace it entirely.
Wiring doesn't last forever. Over time, connections can loosen, insulation can degrade, and rodents can cause damage. Loose wiring creates resistance, which generates heat and can lead to tripped breakers: or worse.
Warning signs:
The fix: Wiring issues are not DIY territory. Have a licensed, insured electrician inspect your home's wiring, especially if your house is more than 30 years old.
Circuit breakers themselves can wear out. If your breaker is more than 20 years old, it may trip too easily, fail to trip when it should, or simply stop working properly.
Signs of a failing breaker:
The fix: Replacing a circuit breaker is relatively straightforward for a professional electrician. It's an affordable fix that can prevent much bigger problems down the road.
Here's where many homeowners run into trouble. If your home still has a 100-amp panel (or less) and you've added modern appliances, an EV charger, or a home office setup, your panel may simply be undersized for your current electrical demands.
Signs you need an upgrade:
The fix: An electrical panel upgrade can bring your home's electrical system up to modern standards. At Husch Electric, we handle panel upgrades regularly and can help you determine if this is the right solution for your situation.
Arc faults occur when electricity "jumps" across damaged or deteriorated wiring, creating sparks. These arcs can generate enough heat to ignite surrounding materials: a serious fire hazard.
Common causes:
The fix: Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) are designed to detect these dangerous conditions and shut off power before a fire can start. Many modern electrical codes require AFCIs in bedrooms and living areas.
Water and electricity don't mix. Moisture intrusion: whether from flooding, leaks, or high humidity: can cause short circuits, ground faults, and corrosion that leads to repeated breaker trips.
Areas to check:
The fix: Address any water intrusion issues first, then have an electrician inspect the affected circuits. Damaged wiring or outlets may need replacement.
Your heating and cooling system is one of the biggest electrical loads in your home. When an HVAC unit starts to fail: whether due to a dying compressor, clogged filter, or refrigerant issues: it can draw excessive current and trip your breaker.
Signs your HVAC is the problem:
The fix: This one may require both an HVAC technician and an electrician. The HVAC unit may need service, or you might need a dedicated circuit to handle the load properly.
While some causes of a tripping breaker are simple fixes (like redistributing appliances), many require professional diagnosis and repair. Call a licensed electrician if:
At Husch Electric, we're licensed, insured, and committed to keeping your home safe. As a firefighter-owned company, we've seen firsthand what electrical problems can lead to when left unaddressed. We also believe in affordable, courteous service: because electrical safety shouldn't break the bank.
Not sure if your issue warrants a full service call? We offer $50 video consultations where you can show us exactly what's going on and get professional advice without anyone stepping foot in your home.
When your circuit breaker keeps tripping, it's telling you something. Don't ignore the message. Whether it's a simple overload or a more serious wiring issue, addressing the problem now can save you from costly repairs: or dangerous situations: later.
Have questions about your electrical system? Contact Husch Electric today. We're here to help keep your home safe, one circuit at a time.
