What’s Tripping My Breaker? 5 Common Causes

Your power suddenly cuts off. You check the panel and find a tripped breaker — again. While flipping it back on may fix things temporarily, repeated breaker trips are a warning sign. They’re your electrical system’s way of telling you something isn’t right. Here are 5 of the most common causes — and what to do next.

1. Overloaded Circuit

This is the #1 cause of tripped breakers. It happens when too many devices pull power from the same circuit — more than it was designed to handle.

📍 Example: Running a space heater, vacuum, and hairdryer on the same outlet.

💡 Fix:

• Unplug some devices and redistribute power across other outlets.
• If it happens often, you may need additional circuits installed.

2. Short Circuit

A short circuit occurs when a hot wire touches a neutral or ground wire. This creates a sudden surge of electricity, which trips the breaker to prevent damage or fire.

⚠️ Warning signs:

• A burning smell
• Scorch marks on outlets or wires
• A loud "pop" sound when it trips

💡 Fix:

• Don’t reset the breaker repeatedly. Call a licensed electrician ASAP to find the fault.

3. Ground Fault

This happens when electricity escapes its intended path and “leaks” into the ground — often in wet areas like bathrooms, kitchens, or outdoors.

⚡ You’ll typically see this on GFCI outlets, which are designed to detect ground faults and shut off fast.

💡 Fix:

• Press the “Reset” button on the GFCI outlet.
• If it keeps tripping, the outlet or appliance might be faulty and needs inspection.

4. Arc Fault

An arc fault is when electricity jumps between loose or damaged connections — it’s a major fire hazard. Modern homes use AFCI breakers to detect these early.

🔥 Signs include:

• Crackling or buzzing behind walls
• Frequent breaker trips without high usage
• Outlets or switches that feel warm

💡 Fix:

• Don’t ignore this. Call a professional to test for worn wiring or loose connections.

5. Old or Weak Breakers

Sometimes, the breaker itself is the problem. Old or damaged breakers can become overly sensitive, tripping even under normal use.

💡 Fix:

• If the same breaker trips with light usage, you might need a panel upgrade or a new breaker.

Bonus Tip: Label Your Panel

Knowing which breaker controls which room helps you spot patterns — and prevent overloads before they happen.

Final Thought: A Tripped Breaker Is a Warning, Not Just a Nuisance

If a breaker trips once, it might be a fluke. If it happens often, it's time to investigate. Whether it’s a simple overload or a serious wiring issue, an experienced electrician can help you fix the root cause — and keep your home safe.