Why Does My Circuit Breaker Keep Tripping?
Has your circuit breaker been tripping a lot lately? Not only can this be annoying, but it can also be concerning. There are a number of reasons why your circuit breaker may keep tripping, but most commonly it’s due to a circuit overload, a short circuit, or a ground fault.
1. Circuit Overload
First off, you may be wondering “what is a circuit overload?” It’s when an electrical wire or circuit receives more amperage than it’s made to handle or it could be caused by loose wires or connections. The best way to know for sure if this is why your circuit breaker keeps tripping is to test it. To test it, go to the electrical panel and turn off all the switches in the impact area and unplug all appliances and other devices the next time your circuit breaker trips. If you find that this is the cause of your problem, it may help to run a few appliances at the same time on that circuit. Usually, disconnecting something from the circuit and using another circuit for the electrical power also works to resolve this problem.
2. Short Circuit
Secondly, you may experience a short circuit when an active or hot electrical wire and neutral wire touch, which can cause a large amount of current to flow. In turn, this can overload the circuit and cause your breaker to trip. Not only can a short circuit cause a breaker to trip, but it can also cause a fuse to blow – and it may even cause sparks, smoke, or popping sounds that can be alarming. Usually, this is caused by a wiring problem somewhere in your home, such as wires that have been damaged or chewed on by animals, unsecured connections, or defective electrical appliances and switches. To determine if this is the cause of your circuit breaker tripping, perform a test as you did with the circuit overload. You can test this by plugging something into a specific outlet. If this consistently causes your breaker to trip, it’s safe to say that outlet most likely has a short. It’s best that you refrain from using that outlet until it’s fixed in order to avoid electrical hazards, like an electrical shock.
3. Ground Fault
Last but not least, a ground fault happens when electricity takes an unplanned path to the ground. When is made between a hot or active wire and the ground, it can cause the breaker to trip because the current drastically increases. Ground faults can be caused by a number of things, including incorrect wiring, worn wire insulation, or damaged appliances. In fact, for this reason, many homes are required by the National Electrical Code (NEC) to have GFCI outlets (ground fault circuit interrupters) to prevent fires and electric shocks in places where there’s a water source. This includes your bathroom, kitchen, and outdoor areas. If a ground fault is what’s causing your breaker to trip, consider investing in GFCIs today.
Does Your Circuit Breaker Keep Tripping? Contact Your Favorite Electricians At Spark Daddy In St. Louis, MO Today For All Your Electrical Needs!
If your circuit breaker keeps tripping in your St. Louis, MO home, contact Spark Daddy today. We are here for all your electrical needs! Give us a call today at 314-668-2333 or contact us online here.