A breaker that trips once in a while due to your use of too many appliances is very common. But if that breaker trips again and again, you need to investigate. Not only can this indicate a serious problem with your home’s wiring, but the repeated tripping also brings its own risks. Sometimes the repeat tripping is simple to fix. But if the cause is more complicated, you’ll need to call an electrician quickly.
Overloaded Circuits
If the breakers are tripping shortly after you plug something in or turn something on, that often points to an overloaded circuit. Each breaker provides 15 or 20 amps of power to a circuit. Each circuit can have multiple outlets connected to it, and everything you plug into those outlets draws from the same supply of amps.
If you use too many appliances and lights on one circuit, the demand for power could exceed what the circuit supplies. When that happens, the breaker trips. If you don’t keep track of what you’re placing on that circuit, you could keep tripping the breaker as you turn various things on.
Turn everything off that uses that circuit. Reset the switch; if it trips before you turn on anything, that means something is wrong with the switch or panel. If it doesn’t trip, compare the cumulative wattage (or amperage by converting from watts to amps) of everything that uses the circuit with the power supply from the breaker. Move some items to outlets on other circuits to lessen the load. The breaker should stop tripping at this point; if it continues, then you’ve got a wiring or panel problem.
Defective Switches or Panel
If the panel or the switch in question is relatively new, it could be defective. You’d need an electrician to replace it, which, if you have a warranty, should be straightforward to arrange.
Failing Breakers
If the panel or switch is at least 20 years old, it could simply be too old and weak to function correctly. Circuit breaker panels can last between 20 and 40 years depending on quality and use. Have an electrician inspect the panel and discuss possible replacement.
Short Circuits and Ground Faults
The most serious of the potential causes of repeated tripping are short circuits and ground faults. These occur when a hot wire somewhere in the circuit touches a ground or neutral wire. Both of these create electrical surges that trip the breaker. You need to have an electrician fix these right away because they can cause fires and damage electrical wiring.
Problems with electrical panels and circuit breakers aren’t things you want to ignore. If you need electrical panel repairs or replacement in Memphis, TN, contact Rush Electric now for an appointment.
