An electrical breaker is a control board for running lighting, appliances, and HVAC systems in your home. Breaker tripping is a common electrical problem that many people experience at least once in their homes. Tripping the breaker can have many causes, and there is typically an easy solution to restore the power. Understanding why your breaker is tripping could help you detect if you need electrical repair or need to reduce the number of running appliances. Here are 8 common reasons for breaker tripping and how you can remedy them.
1- Excessive Appliance Use
The biggest reason for trips is the overuse of appliances that cause the circuit breaker to be overloaded. Many homes are filled with technology and gadgets that will draw power. Running too many appliances or electrical devices at once will cause the circuit breaker to trip as a safety precaution. Turning off that circuit will help prevent an electrical fire or damage to your appliances.
2- Appliances With Substantial Power Draw
Some appliances are large and require more electricity to run. Air conditioners, space heaters, refrigerators, and some microwaves require substantial electricity in order to run. Running multiple of these power-heavy appliances at once can cause breaker tripping pretty consistently. If you are constantly tripping your breaker in a certain space in your home, you could benefit from upgrading your electrical or the circuit breaker itself.
3- Lightning Strikes
A less common occurrence is lightning strikes, but storms or lightning hitting your home can cause your circuits to be overloaded. Lightning may cause more damage than just tripping your breaker though. The power and electricity surging through your home may fry your wires or devices that are plugged in. Strikes will be hard to avoid, so having a professional electrician in your mind will help you make repairs as quickly as possible.
4- Old Or Faulty Wiring
Older homes may not have the wiring to handle modern appliances. Faulty wiring could look like loose connections, damaged wires, or improper installation. If you suspect faulty wiring, this should be handled by an experienced technician. Our electricians with Connect can inspect your home and make necessary repairs without damage to your home. Handling electrical problems on your own can lead to electrocution or other injury.
5- Short Circuits
When a lot of electricity flows through your outlet, the breaker will shut off the power to prevent damage. Short circuits occur when there is a hot wire touches a neutral wire. Short circuits mean that the eclectic current can not be completed because of improper installation or loose connections. Electricians can help replace the outlet you suspect may have a short.
6- Ground Fault
This common problem also involves hot wires but a fault occurs when the energized wire comes in contact with a copper wire or the metal side of the outlet box. This again causes the electrical current to be diverted or not be completed to power your appliances. The current will go into the ground or another metal instead of safely back into the breaker so anything that comes in contact with this grounding system is at risk.
As residential wires wear down, ground faults are more common. Schedule frequent electrical inspections to avoid the breaker tripping too often.
7- Power Outages
During a power outage, electricity can quickly surge through your circuits before going out completely. This can cause your breakers to trip and go into a safe mode, so even when the power comes back on, you will find yourself in the dark. Many homes are protected with surge protectors to prevent fires or damage to appliances. Power outages can trip the breaker, but this shouldn’t be a reason for electrical repairs.
8- Circuit Overheating
With consistent use, circuits can overheat when they are being used to conduct electricity through all hours of the day. Overheating can lead to potential fire hazards indicated by discoloration on your walls or floors, burning smells, or warm outlets. Faulty or old wiring is often to blame for circuit overheating and can cause your breaker to trip multiple times a day. Consistent breaker trips can be frustrating, but they are a safety feature to help lower the risk of house fires.
Electrical Services From Connect
Our team at Connect has the skills and knowledge to make electrical repairs a breeze. Our electricians can work on modern or older homes to help keep your breakers from tripping. No matter what electrical services you need, we offer timely service and clear communication about your project. Reach out to us to learn more about the certifications and services we offer.
