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Circuit breakers serve as crucial safety mechanisms. By tripping, your circuit breaker helps prevent electrical overloads and potential hazards, safeguarding property and lives.
While the occasional tripping of a breaker remains normal, frequent tripping points to an underlying issue requiring professional attention. Why does my circuit breaker keep tripping? Should I call an electrician?
As top-rated electricians in Plymouth, MA, the Crowe Electric crew explores the most likely reasons a circuit breaker frequently trips and how to resolve the issue with an expert’s help.
How Does a Circuit Breaker Work?
Understanding how electricity works is crucial for safely troubleshooting electrical issues in your home. Each circuit breaker controls a separate electrical circuit in your Plymouth home and features an on/off switch.
When a breaker trips, the switch flips to the “off” position automatically, requiring you to manually turn it back on to restore electricity to the affected circuit. Work on resetting the breaker only after identifying and addressing the cause of the tripped circuit.
If your breaker frequently trips, you need to address the issue immediately. Ignoring the issue could lead to electrical shock, significant damage to your electrical system, or even a fire.
Common Causes of Tripped Breakers in Plymouth, Massachusetts
Why does my circuit breaker keep tripping? The following culprits may be to blame:
An Overloaded Circuit
In many cases, frequent breaker tripping stems from a circuit overload. This happens when appliances in the circuit draw more current than the wires can handle. Stay alert for flickering lights, slow-charging devices, buzzing outlets, and non-working outlets.
A temporary solution involves unplugging unnecessary devices, while a long-term solution may involve rewiring the entire house and investing in a new electrical panel. Your local Plymouth electrician can inspect your system and advise you accordingly.
Overheating Appliances
When an appliance overheats, it can trip the breaker. This typically happens with high-power units like washers, dryers, and microwaves. Overloading a dryer, for example, can cause overheating.
So, how do you prevent appliances from overheating? Avoid overloading outlets, clean your appliances regularly, and invest in preventive maintenance. If issues persist, consult a certified electrician to assess your electrical system and appliances.
Short Circuits
A short circuit happens when two wires accidentally touch, causing a sudden surge of electricity. Signs of a short circuit include sparks, discolored outlets, burning smells, or popping sounds. If you turn on an appliance with a short in its wiring, it will trip the circuit.
Electrical shorts can create a fire hazard, so call a licensed electrician to diagnose the issue and provide a remedy.
Ground Faults
Ground faults happen when electrical current strays from the wiring loop to the ground, often because of water infiltration or faulty wiring. You probably already know that water and electricity don’t mix. Symptoms of a ground fault include tripped GFCI outlets, flickering lights, and burning smells.
Consider installing GFCI outlets in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and other areas where water may come into contact with electricity. Contact an electrician to repair the damaged wiring after a ground fault.
A Faulty Circuit Breaker
Old, damaged, or poorly installed breakers may trip frequently for no apparent reason. A faulty breaker may also fail to trip when it’s supposed to, leaving your home at risk of electrical fire.
Symptoms of a faulty breaker include failure to reset, over ten years without service, scorch marks, and frequent tripping. Don’t take chances with a faulty breaker. Hire a licensed electrician to repair or service a faulty breaker.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional Electrician
The Electrical Safety Foundation International states that thousands of people in the United States sustain critical injuries and get electrocuted because of electrical accidents or fires every year.
While you may succumb to the temptation of attempting a breaker repair or replacement yourself, such complex electrical work is best left to certified electricians. Besides advanced technical and electrical safety knowledge, electricians have the proper tools to diagnose and resolve breaker issues.
Contact Crowe Electric To Resolve Your Breaker Tripping Issues in Plymouth, Massachusetts
Now that you can answer the question, “Why does my circuit breaker keep tripping?” Don’t entrust just anyone to work on your electrical system. Look no further than Crowe Electric for all your electrical needs, from generator installation to electrical panel upgrades.
Experiencing a buzzing light switch? Contact us to understand the reasons your light switch is buzzing.
Call Crowe Electric in Plymouth, MA, today at (781) 678-8266 for first-rate electrical work.