Causes for Tripping a Breaker

• Overloads

Overloads are a common reason for circuit breaker tripping. This occurs when too much electrical load is placed on the circuit. In other words, an overload happens when more electrical power is drawn from a circuit than it can handle. The excess demand will cause the circuit to overheat, resulting in a tripped circuit breaker.

Circuit breakers are rated by the maximum current they can handle, which matches the safe carrying capacity of the wiring in the circuit. For example, if you run a hair dryer and microwave on the same circuit, you’ll draw 20-30 amps of current. If the circuit is designed to carry 15 amps, it will be overloaded. The circuit will trip to prevent damage to the wiring and potential fire damage.

• Short Circuits

Short-circuiting is an equally common reason for circuit breaker tripping, and it can be as dangerous as overloads. A short circuit happens when a current finds an unintended path with little or no resistance, instead of flowing through the intended components of the circuit. The surge in electricity causes the breaker to trip in order to prevent electrical fires and other dangers. If you suspect a short circuit, stop using the outlet and call a licensed electrician to come and fix the problem. 

• Ground Fault Surges

A ground fault is similar to a short circuit but involves electrical current unintentionally flowing to the ground. The breaker trips to protect the circuit from excessive current flow, which could lead to overheating and fire. It’s important to inspect your electrical system from time to time to identify signs of damage and call in experts for electrical repair. It’s also advisable to install GFCIs in areas where ground faults are more likely to occur, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoors. As a preventive measure, keep appliances away from water sources. 

• Appliance Malfunction

Sometimes, a tripping circuit breaker has nothing to do with your electrical system but with the appliances themselves. A damaged, defective, or malfunctioning appliance can draw more power than it’s supposed to and cause overloading. If an appliance trips your breaker, inspect it for damage and ensure the problem is fixed before using it again.

The kitchen is a common area where circuit breaker tripping occurs, especially when high-power appliances are plugged into the same circuit. The solution is to add dedicated circuits for high-power appliances to reduce the risk of overload. Call a professional electrician to install dedicated circuits in your home and ensure your electrical system is safe and up to code.

• Power Surges

While most power surges damage devices, very large surges can cause circuit breakers to trip. Large surges can be caused by lightning strikes or issues with the power company. The circuit breaker is designed to interrupt the flow of power, which protects the wiring in your home.

• Faulty Circuit Breaker

Like any mechanical device, circuit breakers can fail over time. A worn-out breaker may trip randomly or fail to trip when it should. If, after ruling out other causes, the breaker continues to trip, it may need to be replaced by a reputable electrical repair service.

• Loose Wiring

Loose connections at outlets, switches, or the breaker panel increase resistance, generating heat. This can overload the circuit and cause the breaker to trip. Vibrations, age, or improper installation can loosen wiring. Regular electrical inspections can detect and correct these issues.

Circuit Breaker Problems? Call Mr. Electric of Virginia Beach

Whenever you’re experiencing problems with circuit breakers, get in touch with Mr. Electric of Virginia Beach for an inspection. Our electricians in Poquoson can diagnose frequent circuit breaker trips, repair loose wiring, or upgrade your electrical panel.