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Common Causes of a Tripped Circuit

Oct 3, 2019 | Electrical Safety, Electrical Tips, Residential Electricity

There are a variety of causes that could trigger a circuit breaker. Some of these causes are harmless, but others could endanger your home. For this reason, knowing the common causes of a tripped circuit is essential. At Expert Electric, our team of fully licensed and experienced electricians is prepared to help you with any problem that you might be experiencing in your home, regardless of how big or small that problem might be.

Why Do My Breakers Keep Tripping?

Breakers are crucial safety devices in electrical systems, designed to trip or switch off in response to various conditions to prevent electrical hazards such as overloading, short circuits, or ground faults. They understand why a breaker trip is essential for maintaining electrical safety.

Breakers can trip for many reasons, including overloaded circuits, short circuits caused by faulty wiring or equipment, or ground faults where current leaks to the ground. Identifying the specific cause of a tripped breaker is paramount to preventing potential electrical fires or damage to appliances and equipment.

If breakers are continually switching off, it is imperative to address the issue to avoid safety risks promptly. Contacting a qualified electrician is highly recommended to assess the electrical system, diagnose the problem accurately, and implement necessary repairs or upgrades.

Attempting to troubleshoot electrical issues without proper knowledge or expertise can be hazardous and may result in further damage or injury. Electricians possess the training and experience to safely navigate electrical systems and resolve issues efficiently, ensuring your electrical infrastructure’s continued reliability and safety.

Some of the most common causes of tripped circuits include

Common Causes of a Tripped Circuit

Overloaded Circuits

The most common cause of a tripped circuit breaker is an overloaded circuit. Circuit breakers are designed to trip when too much power is being drawn, as this can cause overheating and lead to a fire or damage all of the electrical devices plugged into the circuit. When something that draws too much power or multiple appliances are plugged in that overloads the circuit, the breaker trips. If your breakers are tripping, check to see what is plugged in. Problematic devices could include vacuums, air conditioners, space heaters, hairdryers, and corded tools.

Short Circuits

A short circuit occurs when a hot or live wire comes in contact with a neutral wire somewhere in the circuit. This usually occurs at an outlet, light fixture, or switch. Short circuits can be hazardous, as they create massive amounts of heat. Short circuits are the most common cause of electrical fires.

Ground Fault Surges

Similar to short circuits, ground fault surges occur when two wires cross when they are not supposed to. When a hot or live wire comes into contact with a ground wire, the edge of the box, or any other grounded source, more power than the circuit can handle will begin to flow through the system, and a ground fault surge occurs. If not managed properly, this can lead to electrical fires and electrocution, so a licensed electrician should always be called.

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