Tripped circuit breakers are not only frustrating, but they can also be a cause for concern in your home. If you find yourself repeatedly having to reset your circuit breaker, it’s time to look for the underlying cause. Our experts at Kolb Electric will cover five common causes of a frequently tripping circuit breaker.
If you’re dealing with a tripped circuit breaker, call our team to schedule circuit breaker services in Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, DC.
Why Do Circuit Breakers Trip?
Ever wondered exactly what’s going on when your breaker trips? It’s actually quite simple! Breakers are designed to monitor a specific circuit or set of circuits in your home, and essentially they control the current flowing into these circuits.
When an overload or short-circuit occurs, the current essentially exceeds its capacity, and the breaker trips, cutting off electricity flow to that area of the home. This is why when a breaker trips, you usually lose power to a section of your home all at once.
Common Causes of Circuit Breaker Tripping
1. Excessive Appliance Use
One of the primary reasons for circuit breaker trips is using too many electrical appliances. Modern homes are filled with gadgets and devices that demand a significant amount of power. When too many appliances are plugged into a single circuit and used simultaneously, it can overload the system, causing the circuit breaker to trip as a safety measure. To address this, consider redistributing your appliances across multiple circuits or staggering their usage to prevent overloading.
2. High-Draw Appliances
Certain appliances, such as air conditioners, space heaters, and high-powered kitchen appliances, have a substantial power draw. If these devices share a circuit with other power-hungry gadgets, the combined load may exceed the circuit’s capacity, resulting in frequent tripping. To resolve this issue, dedicate specific circuits for high-draw appliances or consider upgrading your electrical panel to accommodate increased power demands.
3. Worn-Out or Damaged Breakers
Circuit breakers, like any other electrical component, can wear out over time. If your circuit breaker is old or damaged, it may trip more frequently. Inspect your breakers for signs of wear, such as burnt smells, visible damage, or irregular tripping. If you notice any issues, consult our electricians to replace the faulty breakers and ensure your electrical system’s safety.
4. Storms & Lightning Strikes
Inclement weather, particularly storms and lightning strikes, can wreak havoc on your electrical system. Power surges caused by lightning can overload circuits and trip breakers. Installing surge protectors can help mitigate this risk by diverting excess voltage away from your appliances and preventing sudden power surges from damaging your circuitry.
5. Bad or Faulty Wiring
Faulty wiring is a serious safety hazard and a common reason for circuit breaker trips. Loose connections, damaged wires, or improper installations can lead to short circuits, causing breakers to trip frequently. If you suspect faulty wiring, it’s crucial to enlist the expertise of a licensed electrician to conduct a thorough inspection and make any necessary repairs or replacements.
How To Reset Your Circuit Breaker
In four easy steps, you can reset your circuit breaker. You need to:
- Turn off all electronic equipment hooked to the tripped circuit.
- Locate the electrical service panel. It’s usually found in your basement or utility closet.
- 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.
- 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!
Circuit Breaker Repairs & Panel Upgrades in MD, VA & DC
Tired of the headache that is constant circuit breaker tripping? Kolb Electric can help! We can either repair any issues you may be experiencing or recommend new outlet and circuit installations to accommodate your electrical demands.
Call Kolb Electric to schedule circuit breaker services in Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, DC, today.
