Why Your Breaker Keeps Tripping
It’s frustrating. One minute, everything’s running smoothly, and the next, your lights flicker out, or your microwave shuts off mid-cycle.
If your breaker keeps tripping, it’s not just an annoyance; it’s a sign of an electrical issue that needs your attention. But what’s really causing this disruption?
From short circuits to overloaded circuits, several culprits could be to blame. Let’s explore the most common reasons behind a tripping breaker, how your appliances might be involved, and what you can do to keep your home running safely and efficiently.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Breakers often trip due to short circuits (when live wires make unintended contact, leading to surges), overloaded circuits (too many devices drawing power simultaneously), or ground faults (electricity deviating from its path, often due to damaged or wet wiring).
- Faulty appliances, such as those with damaged wiring, worn-out motors, or faulty heating elements, can contribute to breaker trips. Warning signs include unusual noises, flickering lights, or burning smells around devices or outlets.
- Regular maintenance, distributing appliance loads evenly across circuits, inspecting cords and plugs for damage, and upgrading your electrical panel can reduce the frequency of breaker trips and enhance the safety of your home’s electrical system.
Short Circuits: The Usual Suspect
When you hear "short circuit," you probably imagine sparks flying. While that’s possible, short circuits often happen quietly behind the scenes. This occurs when the hot (live) wire comes into contact with a neutral or ground wire, creating an unintended path for electricity. The result? An immediate surge of electrical current that your breaker cuts off to prevent overheating, electrocution or fire.
Home appliances can contribute to short circuits when their internal wiring is damaged. For instance:
- A broken heating element in your clothes dryer can short against metal inside the cabinet.
- The refrigerator’s compressor motor windings can short-circuit and trip the house circuit breaker.
If you suspect a short circuit when the house circuit breaker keeps tripping, unplug the appliance and inspect wiring and internal components. Look for scorch marks, melted plastic, or other signs of damage. If you find damaged wiring, repair the wires as shown in this DIY video:
If the breaker keeps tripping after repairing wires, leave the appliance unplugged and stop using it. Schedule appliance repair to have a technician examine and repair the appliance.
Overloaded Circuits: When You’re Asking for Too Much
Your breaker doesn’t just protect against shorts—it also monitors the total electrical load on each circuit. Overloading happens when you connect too many devices to the same circuit. Each one draws current, and when the combined load exceeds the breaker’s rating, it trips.
This scenario often happens in kitchens, where countertop appliances like blenders, toasters, and air fryers compete for limited outlets. Or in living rooms, where TVs, sound systems, and gaming consoles run simultaneously.
Distribute the current load more evenly across outlets. Avoid using power strips to connect multiple high-energy appliances to the same circuit. If you constantly experience overload issues, consider upgrading your electrical panel or adding dedicated circuits.
Ground Faults: A Hidden Danger
Similar to a short circuit, a ground fault happens when electricity strays from its intended path, often due to damaged or wet wiring. Ground faults are particularly dangerous because they can lead to electric shock. This risk increases in damp areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor spaces.
Modern homes use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) to detect and immediately cut off electrical power in these situations.
If your breaker trips while running an appliance near water—say, a dishwasher or a washing machine—you might have a ground fault at play.
Inspect the appliance and nearby outlets for water damage or wear. If you can’t locate the issue, call an electrician to assess your home’s wiring and ensure everything’s safe.
Appliance-Specific Problems
Sometimes, the issue lies within the appliance itself. Older appliances, especially, can draw more power than the circuit can handle. A worn-out motor in your washing machine or a faulty heating element in your oven can also cause the breaker to trip.
Watch for these warning signs:
- Unusual noises like buzzing or humming.
- Flickering lights when the appliance starts.
- Burning smells around the device or outlet.
If you notice these issues, unplug the appliance and schedule appliance repair service to have a Sears Home Services technician examine and repair the problem.
How to Prevent Frequent Breaker Trips
To avoid repeated trips to the breaker box, follow these tips:
- Regularly inspect cords and plugs for damage. Replace anything frayed or scorched.
- Avoid overloading circuits by distributing your appliances across outlets and circuits.
- Schedule professional appliance maintenance for high-energy appliances like air conditioners and refrigerators.
- Upgrade your electrical panel if you frequently exceed your home’s power capacity.
Keeping your home’s electrical system in good shape ensures not only convenience but also safety. The next time your breaker trips, use these tips to pinpoint the issue and take action.
By staying proactive, you can keep your appliances running smoothly—and avoid unnecessary downtime.
Frequently Asked Questions
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