Why Your Breaker Keeps Tripping and What to Do
At Gilmore Electric Express, we often hear homeowners ask, “Why does my breaker keep tripping?” A circuit breaker is meant to protect your property—but when it trips repeatedly, it signals a deeper issue. Below, we explain the common causes of a breaker that keeps tripping, how to troubleshoot safely, and why you should call a licensed electrician when needed.
Common Reasons Your Breaker Keeps Tripping
1. Overloaded Circuit
This is the most frequent cause: too many devices or high‑draw appliances on a single circuit. Running an air conditioning unit, hair dryer, microwave, and other heavy appliances simultaneously can overload a 15 A or 20 A circuit and trip the breaker. Look for signs like flickering lights, buzzing outlets, or a warm wall plate.
2. Short Circuit
A short circuit occurs when a hot wire touches a neutral or another hot wire. This causes a sudden surge of current and may result in sparks, smoke, or burning odors before the breaker trips. Never ignore these warning signs.
3. Ground Fault
If a live (“hot”) wire contacts a grounded surface or grounding wire, the breaker or a GFCI/AFCI device will trip to avoid electric shock risk. GFCI protection is critical in kitchens, bathrooms, outdoors, and near plumbing.
4. Arc Fault
Loose or corroded wiring can produce electrical arcs—tiny sparks that heat insulation and potentially ignite fires. Arc‑fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) detect this and shut the circuit off before serious damage occurs.
5. Old or Defective Breaker
Sometimes the breaker itself is worn out or damaged after years of use. If yours is more than 20 years old or trips repeatedly without apparent cause, it may need replacement.
What to Do When the Breaker Keeps Tripping
- Turn off and unplug everything on the affected circuit.
Reset the breaker. If it stays on, plug in devices one at a time to identify a possible faulty appliance. - Look for moisture or water damage around outlets, junctions, or the breaker panel. Moisture can cause ground faults.
- Avoid DIY repairs beyond basic checking. If issues persist—or if you detect burning smells, flickering lights, or suspect wiring damage—contact Gilmore Electric Express for a full inspection.
- Consider upgrades such as adding dedicated circuits for high‑power appliances or updating your panel for modern electrical loads.
Why Choose Gilmore Electric Express
When your breaker keeps tripping, don’t take risks. Our licensed electricians in Bryan and College Station understand local code, have tools to detect ground faults, short circuits, arc faults, and can safely repair or replace breakers or circuits.
We offer comprehensive services including electrical panel repair, panel upgrades, and wiring improvements. Check out our services page to learn more. Schedule service now on our contact page, and get fast, reliable help.
Preventing Future Breaker Trips
- Avoid plugging multiple heavy‑use appliances into one outlet or strip.
- Label each breaker in your panel for clarity during troubleshooting.
- Test GFCI and AFCI outlets monthly to ensure they’re functioning properly.
- Replace worn outlets, cords, or surge protectors at first sign of damage.
In Summary
If your breaker keeps tripping, it’s doing its job—but repeatedly flipping may mean you have overloaded circuits, shorts, ground faults, arc faults, or simply an aging breaker. At Gilmore Electric Express, we’re ready to diagnose and resolve the root cause and keep your home safe. Don’t wait—reach out today to schedule an appointment or ask questions any time.