A circuit breaker that trips once in a while is doing its job. But if yours is tripping repeatedly, that's a sign of a real problem that needs to be addressed. Here's how to diagnose it.
Overloaded Circuit
The most common cause. If you're running too many devices on one circuit, the breaker trips to prevent overheating. The fix: spread your devices across multiple circuits, or have a new circuit added.
Short Circuit
A more serious problem. This happens when a hot wire touches a neutral wire, sending a surge of current through the circuit. You'll usually smell burning or see scorch marks near outlets. This needs immediate attention from a licensed electrician.
Ground Fault
Similar to a short circuit, but the hot wire touches a grounded part of the box or appliance. Common in bathrooms and kitchens near water. GFCI outlets are designed to catch these.
- Don't just reset the breaker and hope for the best
- Repeated tripping means something is wrong
- When in doubt, call a licensed electrician — electrical fires are the leading cause of home fires