Why does my breaker keep tripping?

Usually an overloaded circuit, a faulty appliance or a short. Unplug things on that circuit and reset once; if it trips again, get it checked.

Is a flickering light dangerous?

One flickering bulb is often just the bulb. Flickering across rooms or with appliances starting can point to a loose connection that needs attention.

Electrical Repairs · Spokane, WA

Electrical Repairs & Troubleshooting in Spokane, WA

Most electrical problems start small: a breaker that trips now and then, an outlet that stops working, a light that flickers. Finding the cause early keeps a nuisance from turning into a hazard.

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Common problems

Breakers that trip repeatedly, outlets or whole rooms with no power, lights that dim when an appliance starts, switches that buzz or feel warm, and half the house losing power while the other half works.

Start with the panel

Check whether a breaker has tripped. A tripped breaker usually sits between ON and OFF. Push it fully to OFF, then back to ON. If it trips again right away, leave it off and get it checked.

Diagram: a breaker that is ON, TRIPPED and OFF. A tripped breaker sits in the middle and must be pushed to OFF before it will reset.

GFCI outlets

Kitchens, bathrooms, garages and outdoor outlets are often protected by a GFCI outlet with test and reset buttons, sometimes in another room. Pressing reset can restore several dead outlets at once.

Warning signs

Burning smells, scorch marks, crackling sounds, warm outlet covers or sparks mean stop using that circuit and switch it off at the panel if you can do so safely. See warning signs.

Older Spokane homes

Houses from the early 1900s may have knob-and-tube wiring, cloth-covered cable or two-prong outlets. Loose connections and overloaded circuits are more common in older systems. See rewiring older homes.

Partial power loss

If some rooms work and others don't, or lights brighten and dim across the house, there may be a problem with a main connection or the utility service. Report it to Avista or your utility and have an electrician check your side.

Don't open the panel

The panel cover protects you from live parts that stay energised even with the main breaker off. Resetting breakers is fine; anything beyond that is a job for an electrician.

Get it diagnosed

Tell the electrician what happens, when it started and what you've tried. Send a request and an electrician will get in touch.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my breaker keep tripping?: Usually an overloaded circuit, a faulty appliance or a short. Unplug things on that circuit and reset once; if it trips again, get it checked.
Is a flickering light dangerous?: One flickering bulb is often just the bulb. Flickering across rooms or with appliances starting can point to a loose connection that needs attention.

Other electrical services

Panel UpgradesMore capacity for heat pumps, EV chargers, remodels and additions.EV ChargersLevel 2 chargers for garages and driveways, sized to your panel.GeneratorsStandby generators and safe hookups for portable ones.Lighting & Ceiling FansNew fixtures, recessed lights, outdoor lighting and fans.Outlets & SwitchesDead or loose outlets, GFCI protection, new outlets and switches.Rewiring Older HomesKnob-and-tube, cloth wiring and ungrounded circuits replaced safely.Heat Pump & Appliance CircuitsDedicated circuits for heat pumps, ranges, hot tubs and shops.

Need electrical repairs in Spokane?

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