One of the most common electrical issues homeowners face is a tripped circuit breaker. You might have experienced it yourself – lights flicker and suddenly go out, and a quick trip to the breaker panel reveals a flipped switch.
Usually, a simple circuit breaker reset is all it takes to get the power back on. But what happens when the circuit breaker won’t stay in the on position? And why does your breaker keep tripping with nothing plugged in?
In this article, we’ll briefly explain why circuit breakers trip and outline a few common reasons why a circuit breaker might not reset. We’ll also provide some helpful troubleshooting tips and emphasize the importance of calling a licensed electrician when necessary.
Why Circuit Breakers Trip
Circuit breakers are essentially safety switches designed to interrupt the flow of electricity when a circuit becomes overloaded or experiences a malfunction. This prevents overheating and potential electrical fires. There are three main reasons why a circuit breaker might trip:
1. Overloaded Circuit: This is the most common culprit. If too many appliances that require a lot of energy are plugged into the same circuit, the breaker trips to prevent overheating and damage to the wiring. Older kitchens and bathrooms are particularly prone to overloaded circuits due to the number of outlets and appliances often concentrated in a single area.
2. Short Circuit: A short circuit occurs when a “hot” wire carrying current comes into unintended contact with a neutral wire. This creates a surge of electricity and the breaker trips as a safety measure. This can be caused by damaged wiring, faulty appliances, or moisture exposure in outlets or breaker boxes.
3.Faulty Appliance: Sometimes, an appliance nearing the end of its lifespan or not working properly can cause a trip when plugged in. These appliances can malfunction in subtle ways that disrupt the electrical current, causing the circuit breaker to trip as a safety measure.
Common Reasons Why a Circuit Breaker Won't Reset
1. Improperly Resetting the Breaker:
First of all, be sure that you are taking the proper steps to reset the breaker. Locate your circuit breaker panel (also known as a circuit breaker box or electrical panel) and identify the tripped breaker switch. Push the breaker handle all the way to the “off” position, then back to the “on” position. If the breaker flips back off immediately or won’t reset after several attempts, it’s time to delve deeper.
It sounds silly, but make sure you’re flipping the right switch. Also, be sure that you’re pushing the breaker handle firmly and fully to the off position, and then back to the on position.
2. Persistent Overload:
Signs of an overloaded circuit can look something like this: a circuit breaker trips, won’t reset immediately, resets after a cool-down period, and then trips again after a few minutes.
The cause of an overloaded circuit is usually just that there are too many heavy loads plugged into receptacles or outlets on the same circuit, or that there is a faulty appliance plugged into the circuit that is causing the problem. Overloaded circuits are common in older kitchens and bathrooms where there are often several appliances plugged into the same circuit.
To fix this problem, unplug all appliances from the affected circuit and try resetting the breaker again. If it stays reset, plug appliances back in one by one, monitoring for the breaker to trip again. This will help you identify the culprit appliance or appliances causing the overload.
3. Potential Short Circuit:
If the breaker won’t reset at all and trips immediately when you attempt to reset it, a short circuit might be the issue. This is a serious situation that can pose a fire hazard. Leave the breaker off and call a licensed electrician to diagnose and fix the problem.
Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), which are special outlets often found in kitchens and bathrooms, can also trip due to a ground fault, a type of short circuit. If you suspect a GFCI issue, try resetting the button on the outlet itself.
4. Faulty Breaker:
While less common, the breaker itself could be malfunctioning. If you’ve ruled out overload and short circuits, it’s best to call a qualified electrician to inspect the breaker and recommend repairs or replacement.
When to Call a Licensed Electrician
If you’re uncomfortable troubleshooting electrical issues, inexperienced with electrical work, or simply don’t have the time to diagnose the problem, there’s no shame in calling a licensed electrician. A qualified professional has the experience, knowledge, and tools to safely identify the cause of the tripped breaker and implement a proper solution. They can also inspect your electrical circuit and electrical panel for any underlying problems that could lead to future issues.
Troubleshooting a Tripped Circuit Breaker
In the moment, a circuit breaker trip might seem overwhelming, but troubleshooting shouldn’t be too challenging. By following the steps outlined above, you can get the electricity flowing again on your own or get the peace of mind that comes from enlisting professional help to solve more serious problems.
If you know you are resetting the breaker properly, not overloading the circuit, don’t have a short circuit, and don’t have a faulty breaker, and you’re still having trouble, it’s time to call in the pros.
Grounded Solutions: Your Partner in Electrical Safety
At Grounded Solutions, we understand the importance of a safe and functioning electrical system in your home. Don’t risk electrical fires or further damage by attempting complex electrical repairs yourself. Our team of licensed and insured electricians is here to help. We can diagnose the cause of your tripped breaker and provide a safe and lasting solution, whether it’s addressing an overload, repairing a short circuit, or replacing a faulty breaker.
So, the next time your circuit breaker throws you a curveball, remember this guide and you’ll have the tools you need to find a solution.
