Causes for Tripping a Breaker

A short circuit occurs when black (hot) and white (neutral) wires come into contact with a bond wire, bare ground, or a metal box case

Electrical systems feature circuits protected and controlled by fuses or circuit breakers. These circuit breakers protect people and homes from electrical shock, fires, and property damage.

Circuit breakers are designed to trip, cutting off power in certain situations. Here are the main reasons for tripping a breaker:

Overloads

An overload occurs if the circuit attempts to draw an electrical load that’s far greater than its capacity. Running too many light fixtures and appliances simultaneously heats the circuit breaker mechanism. This causes the spring-loaded component to trip. The continuous breaker pathway is broken, rendering the entire circuit inactive.

The lever has to be reset to reactivate. Recurring breaker trips indicate excessive circuit demands. To remedy the issue, one must move some devices or appliances to other circuits.

Short circuit

A short circuit occurs when black (hot) and white (neutral) wires come into contact with a bond wire, bare ground, or a metal box case. A short circuit allows unrestricted electricity flow because of lowered resistance. The sudden current increase in the breaker activates the tripping mechanism. If plugged into a circuit, device and appliance wiring issues can lead to a short circuit. This makes diagnosis tricky and requires the services of a professional electrician.

Ground fault surges

Ground faults are hazardous in high moisture areas such as outdoors, bathrooms, and kitchens. This can increase the chances of an electrical shock. To avoid such issues, get professional assistance, especially in areas where direct contact with water or the ground is possible.

Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) may be needed on such outlets. A ground fault causes an increased electrical flow due to an instant reduction in the resistance. This heats the circuit breaker mechanism, and it trips.

Arc fault

The relevant authorities in some localities require Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) due to the dangers of arc faults. These breakers trip when overloaded ground faults, short circuits, and power fluctuations when arcing or sparking happens in a wire connection. Loose screw connections in an outlet or switch may also cause arcing.

The arc breakers detect wiring problems early before any damage occurs. If they trip repeatedly, it indicates that arcing is still happening somewhere within the circuit and needs to be addressed.

Faulty or old circuit breakers

The tripping could be a result of an issue within the breaker. Old electrical panels or breakers could mean the system isn’t wired right or is faulty, causing the trip. Often, checking the circuit breakers and correcting or replacing them is the better option.

Get professional assistance

Electrical issues must be handled carefully and with expertise. If faced with circuit breaker or electrical problems, it is important to get the services of qualified electricians. This guarantees reliable and safe wiring to meet all the building codes.

If you need a highly-reviewed, licensed electrician in the Phoenix Valley area, call Efficient Electric at 623-810-9905. We would love to hear from you!