What Causes a Circuit Breaker to Trip? What To Do About It
Ever had the power suddenly cut out in part of your home, only to find the circuit breaker has tripped? It’s a common household issue, but it can be frustrating − especially if you’re not sure why it’s happening.
Circuit breakers are designed to protect your home from electrical faults by shutting off power when something goes wrong. While it might seem like a nuisance, a tripped breaker is actually doing its job to keep you safe. The real question is: what’s causing it?
From overloaded circuits to faulty appliances, there are a few usual suspects. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the most common reasons your breaker might trip and what you can do about it − whether it’s a simple fix or time to call in the pros.
Overloaded Circuit
One of the most common reasons your circuit breaker trips is an overloaded circuit. This happens when too many devices or appliances are plugged into the same circuit, drawing more electricity than it can safely handle.
Think of it like trying to carry more groceries than your arms can hold − you’ll eventually drop something. Similarly, your breaker “drops” the power to prevent overheating and potential fire hazards.
You might notice this if the breaker trips when you turn on a high-powered appliance like a heater, microwave, or hairdryer − especially if other devices are already running on the same circuit. It’s your home’s way of saying, “Whoa, that’s too much!”
To fix this, try unplugging a few devices and resetting the breaker. If it keeps happening, you may need to move some appliances to different outlets or consider having an electrician install an additional circuit to share the load.
Preventing overloads is all about balance − spreading out your devices so your electrical system isn’t pushed beyond its limits.
Short Circuit
A short circuit is a more serious reason your circuit breaker might trip − and it definitely shouldn’t be ignored.
It happens when a “hot” wire (carrying current) touches a “neutral” wire, creating a sudden surge of electricity. This causes the breaker to trip immediately to prevent overheating, fire, or even electric shock.
Here’s how to spot and understand a short circuit:
- Sudden power loss – The breaker trips instantly when a certain device is turned on or plugged in.
- Burning smell or scorch marks – These can appear around outlets, switches, or the breaker box.
- Buzzing or popping sounds – Strange noises when a device is running could mean a short is happening.
- Damaged wiring or appliances – Frayed cords, exposed wires, or cracked insulation can lead to shorts.
If you suspect a short circuit, don’t keep flipping the breaker back on. Turn off and unplug anything on that circuit, and call a licensed electrician right away. Short circuits are dangerous, and it’s best to have a pro check things out to keep your home safe.
Ground Fault
A ground fault is another common cause of a tripped circuit breaker − and it’s one you don’t want to ignore. It happens when electricity takes an unintended path to the ground, often through a person or water. This can be dangerous, especially in areas where moisture is present, like bathrooms, kitchens, or outdoors.
Ground faults usually occur when wiring is damaged or an appliance has faulty insulation. For example, if a wire inside your toaster touches the metal casing, electricity could escape and try to ground itself through the surrounding area. When your breaker detects this, it trips immediately to protect you from potential shock.
You’ll often find ground fault protection built into special outlets called GFCIs (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters), which trip even faster than a standard breaker. If you notice frequent trips around water-prone areas, a ground fault could be to blame.
What to do? Unplug anything connected to the affected circuit and reset the breaker. If the issue continues, it’s time to call a licensed electrician to inspect for wiring or appliance issues.
Faulty Appliances or Devices
Sometimes, it’s not your electrical system that’s the problem − it’s what’s plugged into it. A single faulty appliance or device can cause your circuit breaker to trip, especially if there’s an internal short or damaged wiring. If the breaker trips every time you use a certain item, that’s a big red flag.
Here are some signs to watch for:
- Breaker trips when a specific appliance is plugged in or turned on – That’s a sign the appliance may be faulty.
- Appliance feels hot or smells odd – Overheating or burning smells aren’t normal and can indicate internal issues.
- The cord or plug looks damaged – Frayed wires or cracked plugs can cause electrical faults.
- The appliance is very old – Older devices may not meet current safety standards and can cause trouble.
To troubleshoot, unplug the suspect appliance and try resetting the breaker. If everything else works fine without it, you’ve likely found the culprit. Avoid using that appliance and consider replacing or repairing it. When in doubt, have an electrician take a look.
Worn-Out Circuit Breaker
Sometimes, the problem isn’t with your appliances or wiring − it’s the breaker itself. Like anything else in your home, circuit breakers can wear out over time.
If your breaker keeps tripping for no clear reason or if it feels loose, doesn’t fully reset or trips immediately after resetting, it could be a sign that it’s simply worn out.
Breakers are built to trip when necessary, but after years of doing their job, the internal components can become less reliable. They might trip too easily, not trip when they should, or even fail to stay in the “on” position. That’s not just annoying − it can also be a safety risk.
If you suspect your breaker is the issue, it’s best not to ignore it. Replacing a breaker isn’t a DIY task unless you’re a licensed electrician.
A professional can inspect the electrical panel, confirm the issue and safely install a new one. While it might seem like a small thing, a properly working breaker is your first line of defense against electrical hazards.
What to Do When a Breaker Trips
When a circuit breaker trips, don’t panic − it’s doing its job to protect your home. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to safely handle the situation:
- Turn off and unplug devices – Start by switching off and unplugging anything connected to the affected circuit. This helps prevent another trip when you reset the breaker.
- Find your switchboard – Head to your electrical panel (usually in the garage, hallway, or outside wall). Look for a switch that’s in the “off” position or stuck in the middle.
- Reset the breaker – Flip the tripped switch all the way to “off”, then firmly back to “on”. This should restore power – unless there’s an underlying issue.
- Plug items back in one at a time – This can help you identify if a particular device is causing the trip.
- Monitor the circuit – If it trips again quickly, there may be a deeper problem like a short circuit or faulty wiring.
If the breaker keeps tripping, call an electrician to take a closer look.
When to Call an Electrician
While some tripped breakers are easy to explain − like plugging too many things into one outlet − other situations call for expert help.
If your circuit breaker keeps tripping over and over, especially after you’ve unplugged devices or reset the switch, it’s a sign that something more serious might be going on.
You should call an electrician if you notice any burning smells, scorch marks around powerpoints, buzzing sounds from the switchboard, or if the breaker won’t reset at all. These could indicate damaged wiring, a faulty breaker, or hidden electrical faults that need professional attention.
It’s also worth getting help if you’re unsure why the breaker is tripping in the first place. An electrician can safely inspect your system, pinpoint the issue, and make sure everything’s working properly. Plus, they’ll ensure your home meets electrical safety standards.
When it comes to electricity, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Don’t take risks − if something doesn’t feel right, get a licensed electrician to take a look. Your safety is worth it.
Don’t Ignore a Tripped Circuit Breaker
A tripped circuit breaker might feel like a hassle, but it’s actually a safety feature doing exactly what it’s meant to − protecting your home and loved ones from electrical hazards.
Whether it’s caused by an overloaded circuit, a ground fault, a short circuit, or a faulty appliance, the key is figuring out what’s triggering the trip and fixing it safely. In some cases, a worn-out breaker could be to blame.
While some issues can be solved with a quick reset and a bit of unplugging, others need a professional touch. If your breaker keeps tripping or you’re unsure why it happened, don’t take chances − call a licensed electrician. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to electricity.
Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Circuit Breakers
Got any questions about what causes circuit breakers to trip? If you do, we’ve got answers to some of the most common questions right here.
If your breaker keeps tripping with no obvious cause, there’s likely an underlying issue. It could be a faulty appliance, a wiring problem, or even a worn-out breaker. Try unplugging everything on the affected circuit and resetting it. If it still trips, it’s best to call a licensed electrician to investigate.
It might seem harmless to just flip the breaker back on, but repeated tripping is a warning sign. Continuously resetting it without finding the cause can lead to more serious problems, like damaged wiring or fire risks. It’s important to figure out what’s causing the trip and fix it properly.
Signs of a bad breaker include frequent tripping with no clear cause, a breaker that feels hot to the touch, won’t stay in the “on” position, or makes buzzing sounds. If you suspect the breaker itself is faulty, have an electrician inspect and replace it if needed.