You’re halfway through microwaving lunch, and boom, everything goes dark. You check the panel, and yep, the breaker tripped again.
Frustrating? Absolutely. But there’s a reason it keeps happening.
When your circuit breaker keeps tripping, it’s usually one of three things: circuit overload, short circuit, or ground fault. Knowing the cause helps you fix the issue and prevent future electrical headaches.
This article explains what a circuit breaker does, how your home’s wiring works, what to do when the power cuts out, and the most likely reasons for repeated trips. We’ll also cover warning signs of a bad breaker, when to call a pro like Genesis.
Key Takeaways
- A circuit breaker protects your home from electrical fires and damage.
- Most tripped breakers come from overloads, short circuits, or ground faults.
- Know your home wiring: hot, neutral, and ground wires.
- Always turn off appliances before resetting the breaker.
- If the breaker trips often, it might be failing.
- Electrical issues are serious—don’t ignore repeated breaker trips.
What Is a Circuit Breaker?
A circuit breaker is a switch that cuts off electricity when there’s too much current. It stops the flow of electricity to prevent electrical fires or equipment damage.
Electricity is the movement of electrical charge. It’s a secondary energy source generated by converting primary sources like coal, solar, or wind. Once inside your home, electricity flows through wires to power lights, appliances, and outlets.
Here are a few terms you’ll see often:
- Voltage: The pressure that pushes electricity through wires.
- Current: The flow rate of electricity.
- Resistance: Anything that slows the current down, like a wire or appliance.
Understanding Your Home’s Wiring
Your home wiring setup includes three wires:
- Hot wire (black or red): Carries electricity to your devices.
- Neutral wire (white): Sends electricity back to the panel.
- Ground wire (green or bare): Directs excess electricity safely into the earth.
When you plug something in, electricity moves from the hot wire to your appliance. It then returns through the neutral wire. If too much current flows, your circuit breaker steps in and shuts it all down.
If the hot and neutral wires touch, or if a hot wire touches the ground, bad things happen. That’s where your breaker or GFCI outlets kick in.
What To Do When a Circuit Breaker Trips
If the power cuts out, here’s what you should do.
Power Off Devices
Unplug everything connected to the affected circuit. That includes lights, microwaves, TVs—anything. This protects your electronics from a surge when power comes back.
Locate the Tripped Breaker
Go to your electrical panel. Look for the switch that’s sitting in the middle or marked with a red or orange tab. That’s your tripped circuit.
Reset the Breaker
Flip it fully to the OFF position, then back to ON. Turn appliances back on one at a time. If the breaker trips again right away, stop and call a pro.
Reasons Why Your Circuit Breaker Trips
Breakers don’t trip for fun. Something’s off. Let’s look at the most common reasons.
Circuit Overload
An overloaded circuit happens when you try to use more electricity than the circuit is built to handle.
Common causes:
- Too many devices plugged in at once
- Loose or corroded electrical wires
Fixes:
- Unplug a few items and see if the breaker holds.
- Test each appliance by plugging them in one at a time.
- Install a dedicated circuit for high-draw appliances like air conditioners.
Short Circuit
A short circuit occurs when the hot wire and neutral wire touch directly. That causes a sudden surge in current.
Signs:
- Sparks or smoke
- A loud popping noise
Causes:
- Damaged outlets or switches
- Rodents chewing through wiring
- Faulty appliances or wiring issues inside the walls
Warning: Short circuits can cause electrical fires. If you suspect one, don’t experiment, call a licensed electrician.
Ground Fault
A ground fault happens when the hot wire touches the ground wire or a grounded part of the junction box.
Where it happens:
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Outdoor outlets
Why it matters: Ground faults increase the risk of electric shock, especially in wet areas.
Protection: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) detect the problem and shut off power quickly.
What to do:
- Test and reset GFCI outlets.
- Replace any damaged outlets.
Signs of a Bad Circuit Breaker
Sometimes the breaker is the problem.
Signs you need a new one:
- Breaker trips frequently, even with light usage
- You smell burning or the breaker feels hot
- Visible damage like scorch marks
- Your panel is old or outdated
Read our article 7 Warning Signs of a Bad Circuit Breaker for more detail.
If Your Breaker Keeps Tripping, Call Genesis
If the breaker keeps tripping again and again, the problem could be:
- A failing breaker
- Damaged electrical wire
- Faulty appliances
- Unsafe conditions in your electrical system
These are not DIY jobs. You need someone who knows electrical circuits inside and out.
If you’re in Centennial, CO or nearby, Genesis can help. Our licensed electricians inspect your home wiring, test your breakers, and make needed repairs fast.
Good day, and Gooooooood Genesis!
FAQs
Still scratching your head? Here are common questions homeowners ask about tripped breakers.
Why does my breaker trip when I turn on my microwave?
Microwaves draw a lot of current. If you’re using other appliances on the same circuit, it might overload.
Can I keep resetting the breaker if it trips often?
You can, but you shouldn’t. Frequent trips are a warning sign. Find and fix the issue.
What’s the difference between a short circuit and a ground fault?
Short circuits happen when hot and neutral wires touch. Ground faults happen when a hot wire contacts the ground wire. Both are dangerous.
How do I know if my breaker is bad?
If it trips with no load, feels hot, or smells burnt, it may be faulty.
Is it safe to replace a breaker myself?
Not unless you’re trained. Replacing breakers can be dangerous if done wrong. Hire a pro.
Final Thoughts
If your circuit breaker keeps tripping, it’s trying to tell you something. The issue could be simple, like a circuit overload, or serious, like a short circuit or bad breaker. Either way, don’t ignore it.
Know the signs. Unplug what you can. Reset carefully. But if problems persist, call Genesis. We’ll keep your home safe and your circuits flowing.
Good day, and Gooooooood Genesis!