Why Circuit Breakers Trip

If the power suddenly goes out in some areas of the home when you are cooking, washing, or blending, it is due to the tripping of the circuit breaker. A circuit breaker is an absolute necessity for every property. It shuts off the electrical flow to prevent the circuit from overheating or when it is unable to handle the extra current load. It helps in preventing potential fire, injury, and damage to appliances. 

Tripping of the circuit breaker may appear like a minor convenience at first, but when it happens frequently, it indicates that there is a bigger problem with the electrical system. It is an electrical repair issue, and an electrician can help identify the problem source and offer a reliable solution.

Knowing the reasons behind the constant tripping can help you do something about it. Here are some of the reasons that cause a circuit breaker to trip:

Overloaded circuit

Too much power consumption is the most common cause of a circuit breaker tripping.  When more electricity is flowing through it than was intended, a circuit will overload. It indicates that too many heavy power appliances, devices, or fixtures are used simultaneously on the same circuit, or a large device that is drawing more than the circuit can handle has been plugged in. Overload leads to overheating, putting all the electrical appliances connected to that circuit at risk. The circuit breaker trips and shuts things down to prevent damage. To fix the problem, you can plug some of the devices to another circuit, or turn off the devices that are not in use to avoid overloading.

Ground fault

It happens when a hot wire comes in contact with the grounding wire (made of bare copper), or sides of a metal wall box.  A ground fault causes more electricity to pass through the circuit than it can handle. The circuit breaker trips and resetting it is only a temporary solution. Ground faults are very hazardous as there is a risk of electrical shock, putting the whole home in danger. The only way to fix the problem is to find the underlying cause, and it is best to call an electrician to handle the issue.

Short circuit

A short circuit happens when a hot wire touches another hot wire or neutral wire in one of the electrical outlets. Touching wires lead to a large current flow causing more heat than the circuit can handle. The breaker will then trip to prevent any damage. When a circuit shorts out, it generates a lot of heat, which can turn into electrical fires. It causes discoloration marks around the outlet or a burning smell. Several reasons, including loose connection and improper or damaged wiring, cause short circuits. It is best to have a professional electrician diagnose and fix the source of the problem.

Power surges

If your house is in an area that faces severe lightning storms, it must be usual to have power surges and outages. When lightning strikes a building, a power line, or a transformer, it can lead to a massive overload, tripping the circuit breaker.

Faulty appliance

A damaged, faulty, or an incompatible appliance can cause frequent tripping of the circuit breaker. Check all the appliances and replace the one that is hotter than usual.

It is dangerous to take care of the electrical issues yourself. If you are faced with the frequent tripping of the circuit breakers and are unable to find out the reason behind it, call an expert electrician to fix it.

If you need a fast, affordable electrician for your home or business, call RSB Electrical at 480-485-4284.