Embedded Files
Why Your Breaker Keeps Tripping
Why Your Breaker Keeps Tripping
If your breaker keeps tripping, it is doing it's job properly. Circuit breakers are designed to shut off power when they detect unsafe conditions like overloads, short circuits, or electrical faults.
If your breaker keeps tripping, it is doing it's job properly. Circuit breakers are designed to shut off power when they detect unsafe conditions like overloads, short circuits, or electrical faults.
At Ampler Electrical, we help homeowners in Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach, NC identify the root cause and fix the issue safely.
At Ampler Electrical, we help homeowners in Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach, NC identify the root cause and fix the issue safely.
Problem: Circuit Overload (Most Common Cause)
Problem: Circuit Overload (Most Common Cause)
This happens when too many devices are running on one circuit.
This happens when too many devices are running on one circuit.
Common overload examples include:
Common overload examples include:
- Space Heaters
- Microwaves
- Hair dryers
- Window AC Units
- Garage heaters
A standard 15-amp breaker can safely handle a continuous load of about 12 amps. A space heater alone can draw 12.5 amps, leaving no room for anything else on the circuit.
A standard 15-amp breaker can safely handle a continuous load of about 12 amps. A space heater alone can draw 12.5 amps, leaving no room for anything else on the circuit.
Solutions for Circuit Overload
Solutions for Circuit Overload
- Move high-demand appliances to a different circuit
- Install a dedicated circuit (a 20-amp circuit is sufficient in most cases)
- Upgrade panel capacity if necessary
Problem: Short Circuit
Problem: Short Circuit
A short circuit happens when a hot wire touches a neutral or ground wire. This causes a sudden spike in current and immediately trips the breaker.
A short circuit happens when a hot wire touches a neutral or ground wire. This causes a sudden spike in current and immediately trips the breaker.
Signs of a short circuit:
Signs of a short circuit:
- Breaker trips instantly
- Burning smell
- Scorch marks on outlets/receptacles
- Warm switches
Solutions for Short Circuit
Solutions for Short Circuit
Short circuits require professional troubleshooting to determine where exactly the problem is.
Short circuits require professional troubleshooting to determine where exactly the problem is.
Once the location of the problem is accurately determined, professionals can cut power to the circuit and re-configure the wires in the box to ensure all connections are safe and protected from other wires.
Once the location of the problem is accurately determined, professionals can cut power to the circuit and re-configure the wires in the box to ensure all connections are safe and protected from other wires.
Problem: Ground Fault
Problem: Ground Fault
Ground faults are similar to short circuits, but involve electricity escaping to ground. This are often triggered by moisture or damaged wiring.
Ground faults are similar to short circuits, but involve electricity escaping to ground. This are often triggered by moisture or damaged wiring.
These are common in:
These are common in:
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Garages
- Outdoor Outlets
This is why GFCI protection is required in these areas.
This is why GFCI protection is required in these areas.
Solutions for Ground Fault
Solutions for Ground Fault
- Inspection of GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) devices
- Replacing of faulty outlets
- Repairing damaged wires
- Ensuring proper grounding, both in the panel, the electrical box, and to the device
Ground faults are a serious issue and should not be ignored.
Ground faults are a serious issue and should not be ignored.
Problem: AFCI Breaker Tripping
Problem: AFCI Breaker Tripping
Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI) detect dangerous electrical arcing.
Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI) detect dangerous electrical arcing.
Common causes include:
Common causes include:
- Loose neutral connections
- Backstabbed outlets
- Failing dimmers
- Shared neutral wiring issues
- Aging or damaged wiring
AFCI breakers may trip "randomly" even if there is minor arcing.
AFCI breakers may trip "randomly" even if there is minor arcing.
Solutions for AFCI Breaker Tripping
Solutions for AFCI Breaker Tripping
- Re-terminating loose neutrals in the panel and on the affected device(s)
- Replacing backstabbed connections with secure terminations
- Inspecting the first device in the circuit
- Replacing incompatible dimmer switches
- Testing and replacing of faulty AFCI breakers if necessary
Problem: Outdated or Undersized Electrical Panel
Problem: Outdated or Undersized Electrical Panel
Older panels may not support modern electrical loads.
Older panels may not support modern electrical loads.
Warning signs include:
Warning signs include:
- Frequent nuisance trips
- No available space for breakers
- Rust or corrosion in panel
- Panel over 20 years old
- Multiple high-demand appliances added over time
Homes today use far more electricity than older electrical panels were designed to handle.
Homes today use far more electricity than older electrical panels were designed to handle.
Solutions for Outdated or Undersized Electrical Panel
Solutions for Outdated or Undersized Electrical Panel
- Performing a load calculation, testing amperage drawn by appliances and heavier loads
- Upgrading to a higher-capacity, modern panel
- Installing additional circuits
- Installing modern AFCI and GFCI protection
A panel upgrade improves safety, reliability, and future expansion capacity.
A panel upgrade improves safety, reliability, and future expansion capacity.
Page updated
Report abuse