A breaker keeps tripping because it is doing its job: something on the circuit is drawing too much power or current is going where it should not. The usual causes are an overloaded circuit, a faulty appliance, a short circuit, a ground fault, or a breaker that is wearing out. Reset it once. If it trips again, call an electrician.
What a breaker does
Each breaker protects one circuit. When the circuit draws more current than its wires can safely carry, or when current takes a path it should not, the breaker trips and shuts off the power. A trip is a warning, not the problem itself.
The common causes
Overloaded circuit. Too many things running on one circuit, like a space heater, a hair dryer and a microwave together.
A faulty appliance. A worn cord or a failing motor can trip a breaker every time it runs.
Short circuit. A hot wire touches a neutral wire. This usually trips the breaker right away and may leave a burn mark or smell.
Ground fault. Current leaks to ground, often where there is water, such as a kitchen, bathroom, garage or outdoor outlet.
Arc fault. Newer AFCI breakers trip when they sense arcing, which can come from a damaged wire or a loose connection.
A worn breaker. Breakers age. One that trips at a light load may itself be failing.
A loose connection. A connection that has loosened at an outlet, a switch or the panel can heat up and cause trips.
What you can safely do
These steps are safe for a homeowner and often find the cause.
Unplug or switch off what was running on that circuit.
Find the tripped breaker. It sits in the middle or off position. Push it fully to OFF, then back to ON.
Plug things back in one at a time. If the breaker trips when one appliance starts, that appliance may be the problem.
Move a heavy load, like a space heater, to a different circuit.
If the tripped circuit is a bathroom, kitchen or outdoor outlet, check for a GFCI outlet that also needs resetting.
When to stop and call
Reset a breaker once. If it trips again right away with nothing plugged in, do not keep resetting it. Repeated resets can heat up a damaged wire or connection. Leave it off and call an electrician.
Call right away if you notice any of these.
A burning smell at an outlet, switch or the panel
A breaker or the panel door that feels warm
Scorch marks or discolored outlet covers
Buzzing or crackling
A breaker that will not stay on at all
What not to do
Do not tape a breaker on or hold it in place. Do not swap in a larger breaker so it stops tripping. A breaker is sized to its wire, and a larger one can let the wire overheat. Do not remove the panel cover. The parts behind it stay live.
When it is the AC
In the West Valley, a common call is a breaker that trips when the air conditioner starts. That can point to the AC unit, the breaker or the wiring. Our answer on breakers that trip when the AC turns on walks through it.
When it points to the panel
If breakers trip on several circuits, or you are adding loads the home was never built for, the panel may be too small or wearing out. Older brands such as Federal Pacific and Zinsco are worth a closer look.
How we help
Call (602) 999-2770 and a real person answers, any hour. Tell us which breaker trips and what was running. Often we can tell on the phone whether it can wait until a regular day or needs someone now. You will hear the price before anyone drives out, and our repairs carry a two-year warranty on labor and material. We offer same-day service.
If a breaker trips along with a burning smell or smoke, do not reset it. If you see smoke or fire, call 911.
Common questions
Is it dangerous if a breaker keeps tripping?
The trip itself is the breaker protecting you. The cause may be harmless, like an overload, or serious, like a damaged wire. If it trips again after one reset, call an electrician.
Can a breaker go bad?
Yes. Breakers wear out. One that trips under a light load, feels warm or will not stay on may need to be replaced by an electrician.
Should I put in a bigger breaker?
No. A breaker is matched to the size of its wire. A larger breaker can let the wire overheat.
