Top Reasons Why Your Circuit Breaker Keep Tripping

If your circuit breaker keeps tripping, it’s a sign that something isn’t right with your electrical system. While an occasional trip may not be a cause for concern, frequent tripping could indicate overloaded circuits, faulty wiring, or serious electrical hazards. Understanding why your breaker keeps shutting off can help you prevent damage, ensure safety, and avoid costly repairs.

How Circuit Breakers Work?

To better understand why your circuit breaker is tripping, it’s important to know how it works. A circuit breaker acts as a safety switch, monitoring the flow of electricity and shutting it off when it senses irregular activity. When a circuit becomes overloaded—meaning too many devices are drawing power—the breaker trips to stop excessive current from flowing. Similarly, if a short circuit or ground fault occurs, the breaker quickly cuts off electricity to prevent damage to appliances, wiring, or even personal injury. By interrupting dangerous power surges, circuit breakers play a vital role in ensuring electrical safety and efficiency in your home.

Top 6 Reasons Your Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping

1. Overloaded Circuits: One of the most common reasons a breaker trips is because the circuit is overloaded. This happens when too many devices are plugged into a single circuit, drawing more power than it can handle.
2. Short Circuits: A short circuit occurs when a hot wire touches another hot wire or a neutral wire, creating a surge of electricity. This can cause sparks, burning smells, or even electrical fires.
3. Ground Fault Surges: A ground fault happens when electricity takes an unintended path to the ground, often through water or faulty wiring. This is especially dangerous in bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas where moisture is present.
4. Faulty Appliances: A damaged or malfunctioning appliance can cause your breaker to trip repeatedly. Common culprits include old refrigerators, space heaters, and power tools.
5. Aging or Faulty Electrical Panels: If your home has an older electrical panel, it may not be equipped to handle the demands of modern appliances and technology. Outdated panels can be a serious fire hazard.
6. Loose or Damaged Wiring: Worn-out or damaged wiring can cause frequent breaker trips and pose a serious fire risk. If you’ve recently had renovations or rodent activity in your home, damaged wiring could be to blame.

Can I Fix a Circuit Breaker That Keeps Tripping by Myself?

If your circuit breaker keeps tripping, you might be able to fix minor issues yourself, but some electrical problems require a licensed electrician to prevent serious risks like electrical fires or shocks. You can try resetting the breaker properly, unplugging overloaded circuits, and checking for faulty appliances to see if that resolves the issue. However, if the breaker trips repeatedly, won’t reset, or if you notice sparks, burning smells, or buzzing sounds, it’s best to call a professional electrician.

To ensure your safety, we strongly recommend calling a licensed electrician instead of attempting repairs yourself, as improper handling can lead to costly damage or put you at risk of serious injury. Aging electrical panels and faulty wiring can also contribute to frequent tripping, posing safety hazards. Gravity Electrical specializes in electrical troubleshooting, breaker replacements, and panel upgrades to ensure your home is safe and up to code.

When You Should Call a Professional Electrician to Fix a Trippy Circuit Breaker:

• Frequent Tripping – If the breaker trips repeatedly, there may be a deeper wiring issue or circuit overload.
• Sparks or Burning Smells – These are signs of a serious electrical hazard that requires urgent professional attention.
• Breaker Won’t Reset – If the breaker won’t stay on, there could be a short circuit or ground fault.
• Old or Faulty Electrical Panels – Aging panels may not handle modern electrical demands and could be unsafe.

Why Choose Gravity Electrical?

If your circuit breaker keeps tripping and you’re unsure what to do next, Gravity Electrical can help. Our licensed and experienced electricians specialize in electrical troubleshooting to ensure your home’s safety and efficiency. Our Calgary electricians pride ourselves on delivering exceptional customer service, expert workmanship, and honest pricing. With over a decade of industry experience, we are fully licensed and insured, providing homeowners with peace of mind knowing their electrical systems are handled by trusted professionals. We are committed to safety, reliability, and long-term solutions, never cutting corners when it comes to electrical work. Whether you need a circuit breaker repair, panel upgrade, or a full electrical inspection, our team is dedicated to getting the job done right the first time. Call us at 403-879-2345 or fill out our online contact us form today for a free estimate!