07 Jan Causes for Frequent Circuit Breaker Tripping

Circuit breakers play a vital role in ensuring electrical safety within your home. As a homeowner, you may only notice this device when it trips, causing temporary inconvenience. However, a tripped breaker serves as an indication that your electrical system has successfully averted potentially severe, and potentially hazardous, situations.

At Bailey Electric, we have encountered a number of tripped breakers. Today, we aim to provide you with an overview of the three primary factors that can lead to this issue. While our professional team is always available to assist you with your electrical needs, it is beneficial for you to gain an understanding of how your circuit breakers function and what triggers them to trip.

Why A Circuit Breaker is an Important Part of My Home?

Circuit breakers serve as an essential electrical safety measure to prevent fires and injuries. When detecting abnormalities in electrical circuits such as overload, short circuits, or faults, the system automatically shuts off the affected circuit. Consequently, the connected appliances and devices cease operation, necessitating a manual reset of the breaker. Let’s explore the reasons behind a tripped circuit.

Reason #1: Overloaded Circuit

When multiple appliances are used simultaneously and your breaker trips, it is likely due to an overloaded circuit. Each appliance consumes a specific amount of amps, the fundamental units of electrical current. Likewise, every outlet has a circuit with an amp capacity. When the capacity is surpassed by an amp input that exceeds the limit, the circuit breaker will trip.

Overloaded circuits are more common in older homes. For instance, a modern kitchen may utilize seven twenty-amp circuit breakers to evenly distribute power to various appliances. Unlike an older kitchen that might have a much smaller amp circuit breaker to distribute power to its appliances. Because most kitchen appliances consume at least eight amps, an older kitchen will experience more frequent circuit breaker trips.

Reason #2: Short Circuits

Short circuits can cause your breaker to trip, which is when a hot wire comes into contact with or crosses a neutral wire. Homeowners sometimes encounter short circuits when attempting to wire in a switch or outlet without professional assistance. Additionally, lack of electrical maintenance or aging components like breakers, switches, outlets, and wiring can lead to short circuits over time. To resolve a short circuit, even with the help of a licensed electrical service provider, it often requires methodical problem-solving and rewiring. Proper maintenance of your home’s electrical system is crucial to prevent such issues.

Reason #3: Ground Fault

Ground faults often result in circuit breakers being tripped. This occurs when a live wire comes into contact with a grounded metal component of your electrical system. Essentially, electricity diverts to the ground instead of reaching your appliances. Typically, this problem stems from inadequate maintenance or an aging electrical system. Improper installation, such as a pinched wire, can also be a contributing factor. Rectifying this issue usually entails rewiring or replacing the affected wire.

Seek a Professional at Bailey Electric

A tripped breaker is not just an inconvenience; it can indicate a significant electrical problem. For reliable assistance with circuit breakers that frequently trip, reach out to Bailey Electric. We provide professional electrician services in Salt Lake to assure electrical safety. Rest easy knowing that a licensed technician will promptly address the issue in your home.