Introduction
Circuit breakers are safety mechanisms designed to shut off power when there is any kind of irregularity, abnormality, or danger in your electric system. But, sometimes, even resetting them doesn’t fix the problem. In this case, the reason could be anything from a faulty appliance to a worn-out circuit breaker. Property owners should disconnect everything and try to troubleshoot the cause by replugging all the appliances one by one. If you’re curious to learn why you might need a circuit breaker repair in this case, you should read this blog by Shalom Electrics, LLC.
Reset Failures: The Root Causes Of The Repeating Breaker Flip
Having your circuit breaker flip once in a while just means that it’s working correctly. And that something you did triggered it. However, the power should come back on once you reset it. Sometimes, though, the breaker immediately trips again. Things like old wiring and an overloaded circuit are usually the main reason that the breaker flips in the first place. So, let’s take a look at the most common culprits.
Read along as we explain all the causes.
Short Circuits
The most common reason that a circuit breaker might trip is if a hot wire touches a neutral wire. It results in a surge and is usually the result of a faulty appliance or chewed through wiring.
Ground Faults
Another reason behind the issue could be a ground fault. This happens when a hot wire comes into contact with an exposed copper wire or the metal exterior of an outlet.
Overloaded Circuits
If you have too many heavy-duty appliances like the microwave oven and coffeemaker connected to the same circuit, they’ll overwhelm it. The result? A tripping breaker that refuses to stay up.
Faulty Appliance
If you have an old hair dryer or toaster, a damaged motor or worn power cord could also cause a surge. As a result, the breaker will continue to trip.
Outdated Wiring
If your property is old and the wiring behind the walls is frayed, it won’t be able to safely conduct electricity. This will trigger the circuit breaker as well. Get an electrician on site to conduct electrical repair services.
Damaged Breaker
Finally, another reason behind the frequent trips could simply b because the breaker itself is too old or worn to continue protecting your home. At this point, you need a circuit breaker replacement.
Electrical Diagnostics: Identifying The Trouble Spots Before The Next Trip
Okay. So you now know what could be causing the breaker failures. But which one of them is the real culprit? There are a few simple electrical troubleshooting techniques that property owners can follow to isolate the fault or condition. The following section acts as a small guide to help you.
Read along as we find the problem together.
Disconnect Everything
If the breaker panel issues persist, you should start thinking about isolating the cause. So, when the power interruptions occur for the second time, methodically turn off all the lights and pull out the cords of the appliances connected to the faulty circuit.
Reset Breaker
Next, go to your electric panel, find the faulty breaker, and turn it fully to the ‘off’ position. After you’ve waited for a few seconds for the breaker to reset, flip it back to the ‘on’ position.
Watch The Results
If the breaker holds its position once you’ve flipped it back on, you can move on to the next step. However, if it trips even when there’s nothing connected to it, your breaker is either damaged or your system has serious electrical faults that require expert inspection.
Reconnect Everything
The next step is finding what’s making the breaker trip. One by one, start connecting the appliances and lights, waiting a few seconds between each. As soon as the breaker trips again, you’ll have found the guilty component.
Conclusion
In the end, a tripping circuit breaker is nothing out of the ordinary. But finding the root cause of the frequent trips can be a bit challenging. Keep in mind that the reason could be anything between old wiring, an overwhelmed circuit, and a worn circuit breaker. Start by disconnecting everything and wait to see what happens once the breaker is turned on again. If it trips again, you’ve got a major electrical issue; if not, continue reconnecting everything till you find the cause. We hope this article was helpful. If you need circuit breaker repair services, please reach out to us today.
FAQS
What is the cost of a new circuit breaker?
A new circuit breaker can cost you $150-300 on average.
How long does a circuit breaker replacement take?
Changing a single breaker only takes experts about an hour.
How often should the electrical system be inspected?
A professional should be inspecting your system every 3-5 years.