A circuit breaker keeps tripping because it is detecting a condition it is designed to stop, most often an overloaded circuit, a short circuit or a ground fault. Less often, the breaker itself is worn or faulty.
In most cases, the breaker is doing its job. The goal is to find out what it is reacting to.
Overloaded Circuits
Every circuit is designed to carry a limited amount of current. When too many appliances run on one circuit at the same time, the breaker trips to protect the wiring from overheating. Space heaters, hair dryers, microwaves, toasters and window air conditioners are common culprits.
An overload often trips the breaker after the equipment has been running for a while, not instantly. If it happens when certain appliances run together, using them on different circuits may help, but a circuit that is regularly overloaded may need changes to how power is distributed. Utah winters bring more space heater and electric blanket use, which is a common time for overloads.
Short Circuits and Ground Faults
A short circuit or ground fault usually trips the breaker immediately. These faults can come from a damaged cord or appliance, a loose or damaged wire, or moisture getting into an outlet or fixture. Some breakers also include GFCI or AFCI protection, which reacts to ground faults or dangerous arcing. Outdoor outlets and garage circuits can also trip after rain or snowmelt reaches them.
These faults can be serious. A breaker that trips right away every time it is reset should be left off until the cause is found.
Connected Equipment and the Breaker Itself
Sometimes the problem is one appliance. If the breaker trips only when a particular device is plugged in or turned on, stop using that device until it is checked.
Breakers can also wear out. A breaker that trips with very little load, will not reset, feels warm or looks damaged may be faulty. In that case, circuit breaker repair may be needed, but the circuit should still be checked, since a new breaker will not fix a wiring fault.
When Professional Diagnosis Is Needed
If a breaker trips again soon after being reset, leave it off and have it checked rather than resetting it over and over. Repeated resets can push power back into a damaged circuit. Get help right away if tripping comes with a burning smell, heat, buzzing or scorch marks, and never open the panel or replace a breaker yourself. Before calling, note which breaker tripped, what was running and how quickly it tripped after being reset. That information helps an electrician narrow down the cause.
A tripping breaker in your Salt Lake City home can have several possible causes, and our troubleshooting service can find the one behind yours before any parts are changed.