Common Causes of a Tripped Circuit

3 Oct 2019 Licensed Electrician

There are a variety of causes that could trigger a circuit breaker. Some of these causes are fairly harmless but others could be putting your home in danger. For this reason, it is important to know the common causes of a tripped circuit. At Expert Electric, our team of fully licensed and experienced electricians are prepared to help you with any problem that you might be experiencing in your home, regardless of how big or small that problem might be.

Why Do My Breakers Keep Tripping?

Breakers can trip for a variety of reasons, and it is always important to know the cause of a tripped breaker. If your breakers are continuously switching, make sure that you contact an electrician. Some of the most common causes of tripped circuits include:

Overloaded Circuits

The most common cause of a tripped circuit breaker is an overloaded circuit. Circuit breakers are designed to trip when too much power is being drawn, as this can cause overheating and lead to a fire or damage all of the electrical devices plugged into the circuit. When something is plugged in that draws too much power or when multiple appliances are plugged in that overload the circuit, the breaker trips. If your breakers are tripping, check to see what is plugged in. Problematic devices could include vacuums, air conditioners, space heaters, hairdryers, and corded tools.

Short Circuits

A short circuit occurs when a hot or live wire comes in contact with a neutral wire somewhere in the circuit. This usually occurs at an outlet, light fixture, or switch. Short circuits can be incredibly dangerous, as they create massive amounts of heat. Short circuits are the most common cause of electrical fires.

Ground Fault Surges

Similar to short circuits, ground fault surges occur when two wires cross when they are not supposed to. When a hot or live wire comes into contact with a ground wire, the edge of the box, or any other grounded source more power than the circuit can handle will begin to flow through the system and a ground fault surge occurs. If not handled properly, this can lead to electrical fires and electrocution, so a licensed electrician should always be called.

If you would like to find out more about the common causes of a tripped circuit, or if you are interested in our suite of electrical services, please contact Expert Electric or fill out a contact form on our website.