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Why Is My Circuit Breaker Constantly Tripping?

Does your circuit breaker keep tripping? Do you constantly have to go through the process of resetting your breaker to get your necessary electrical systems back on? At Kolb Electric, we know this is one of the more frustrating electrical issues you can deal with on a regular basis.

So what causes a tripped circuit breaker? An overloaded circuit is the most common reason for a breaker tripping and usually happens when a circuit has more electrical load connected to it than it really should have. Let’s say you have a 15 Amp circuit breaker that is protecting a 15 Amp circuit. If 20 Amps of current start flowing through it because a toaster, TV, radio, and space heater were all connected to the same circuit and were on at the same time, then what you’re left with are tripped circuit breakers aimed to prevent overheating of the circuit.

How to Reset Your Circuit Breaker

In four easy steps, you can reset your circuit breaker. You need to:

  1. Turn off all electronic equipment hooked to the tripped circuit.
  2. Locate the electrical service panel. It’s usually found in your basement or utility closet.
  3. Identify the tripped circuit. There will either be a red window next to the switch, or you’ll notice one switch slightly flipped toward the “off” position.
  4. Reset the circuit. Do this by firmly pushing the switch all the way to the “off” position and then back to “on.” Hopefully, this will correct the issue!

What’s Wrong with My Electrical System?

If your breaker continues to trip even after resetting it, there could be an issue with your electrical system. This means it’s time for you to contact a quality electrician in Virginia who can uncover the source of the problem, which could be due to one of the following:

  • Weak compressor
  • Under-sized breaker or wire
  • Defective breaker
  • Loose breaker
  • Loose electrical connection
  • Weak capacitor

At Kolb Electric, we have specialized in providing professional electrical service since our establishment in 1925. Impeccable customer service and attention to detail has allowed us to become one of the top electricians in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, and all of Northern VA. We can help you end your tripped circuit breaker headache once and for all—contact us today!

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