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Why Does My Breaker Keep Tripping?

If you’ve ever been in the middle of making dinner, blow-drying your hair, or running the washing machine when—click—the power cuts off, you’re not alone. A tripped breaker is one of the most common electrical issues homeowners face. Preventing electrical disruptions like tripped breakers involves using appliances wisely and consulting a professional electrician for persistent issues. But when it keeps happening, it’s not just annoying—it could be a sign of a more serious issue. So, why does my breaker keep tripping? This guide from Lywood breaks it down to help you understand.

Understanding Why Breakers Trip

Your circuit breaker protects your home from overloads and short circuits. When a circuit breaker trips, this is an indication that it is functioning properly by cutting off electricity to prevent overheating or fires. But if your breaker keeps tripping after reset, or the circuit breaker trips immediately when you turn it back on, that’s a red flag that something’s not right.

What Would Cause a Breaker to Keep Tripping?

1. Overloaded Circuit Breaker

This happens when you plug too many high-powered devices into one circuit—think space heaters, microwaves, or blow dryers. The electrical demand exceeds the breaker’s limit, and it shuts off to prevent damage. Large appliances should be on dedicated circuits to prevent overloading and ensure proper functioning.

What to do when breakers trip due to an overload:
  • Unplug a few devices and try resetting the breaker.
  • Spread out power-hungry appliances across different outlets or circuits.

2. Short Circuit

A short circuit occurs when a hot wire touches a neutral wire or ground wire. This creates a surge of electricity, which causes the breaker to trip instantly. You might notice a burning smell, discoloration around outlets, or hear a popping sound.

Warning: Short circuits are dangerous—don’t attempt DIY fixes without professional help.

3. Ground Fault

Similar to a short circuit, a ground fault happens when electricity strays from its intended path and contacts a grounded surface. This can be especially common in kitchens, bathrooms, or outdoor areas where moisture is present.

If your circuit breaker trips immediately, this could be the issue.

4. Faulty Appliances or Wiring

Sometimes, the problem isn’t the breaker—it’s what’s connected to it. A malfunctioning appliance or aging wiring can cause ongoing problems that trip your breaker repeatedly. Loose connections can cause dangerous arcing and should be addressed to prevent electrical hazards.

What to Do When Breakers Trip Frequently

If you’ve tried unplugging devices and your breaker keeps tripping after reset, it’s time to dig deeper—or contact Lywood.

Here’s a basic troubleshooting checklist.
  • Unplug all devices and turn off all lights in the affected area before resetting the breaker.
  • Try resetting the breaker again.
  • If it trips with nothing plugged in, the issue is likely in the wiring or breaker itself.

When to Call the Experts

At Lywood, we’ve seen it all—from overloaded circuits to hidden wiring issues that require careful inspection. If you’re asking yourself, “Why does my breaker keep tripping even after I’ve reset it?,” don’t wait for a bigger problem to spark.

Let our licensed electricians diagnose the issue and deliver safe, lasting solutions. We’ll inspect your system, identify the root cause, and restore your peace of mind.

Upgrade Your Electrical System with Confidence

Modern electrical systems not only improve safety—they offer significant advantages over older systems like knob-and-tube wiring and traditional fuse boxes by better handling electrical loads and preventing hazards such as fires. Professional electrical services are crucial in ensuring a smooth and safe upgrade, providing expert consultations and inspections for outdated wiring.

Whether you’re renovating or simply want peace of mind, the experts at Lywood are here to help you plan and execute a smooth, code-compliant electrical upgrade.

Schedule a home wiring inspection today.

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