Why Does My Breaker Keep Tripping?
A breaker trips to protect wiring from overheating. Once in a while is normal. Repeated trips are a message worth listening to.
Request an electricianHow to reset
Find the breaker that's out of line with the others. Push it firmly to OFF, then back to ON.
Overloaded circuit
Too many things on one circuit, such as a space heater, hair dryer and microwave, draw more than it can carry. Move some to another circuit.
A faulty appliance
If the breaker trips whenever one appliance runs, the appliance may be the problem. Try it on another circuit; if that trips too, stop using it.
Short circuit
A breaker that trips instantly, even with nothing plugged in, may point to a short in the wiring. Leave it off and get it checked.
GFCI and AFCI trips
These protective devices trip for leaks to ground or arcing. Frequent trips can mean moisture, damaged cords or wiring faults.
Winter loads
Space heaters and block heaters in a Spokane winter are common culprits. Give each its own circuit where possible.
Don't do this
Never replace a breaker with a larger one or tape it on. The breaker size protects the wire.
Get it checked
See electrical repairs.
Keep a note
Write down which breaker trips, what was running at the time and how often it happens. That record helps an electrician find the cause much faster than a single visit can.
Old breakers wear out
Breakers can weaken with age and begin tripping below their rating, or, worse, stop tripping when they should. If yours are decades old, ask whether the panel itself needs attention.
More electrical guides
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