Circuit Breaker Tripping? Here's Why & What to Do
When a circuit breaker is overdrawn, it can cause all power to be suddenly cut off or ‘trip’. Tripping circuit breakers are both an inconvenience and a hazard. So, why do your circuit breakers keep tripping, and how can you prevent it from happening?
How does a circuit breaker work?
A circuit breaker is an essential part of a property’s electrical system.
The circuit breaker is the main connection point between the property and the main power supply — it routes and manages the power supply to different parts of the home, including lighting and power outlets. A circuit breaker prevents electrical overload in the home by immediately cutting off the connection when too much power is drawn by an appliance. Electrical overloads in appliances can result in overheating, which in turn can cause electrical fires to occur.
Essentially, a circuit breaker is what protects the property from electrical faults and emergencies.
What Causes A Breaker To Trip?
There are several potential causes of a circuit breaker tripping. In some cases, the root cause may not be the breaker but the wiring system of the house or a faulty appliance.
1. Overloaded circuit
An overloaded circuit is the most common reason for frequent breaker tripping. When the system is demanding more than a ‘safe’ limit of power within the home, the circuit breaker will automatically cut off power. This can happen if several high wattage appliances that are connected to the same circuit are used at the same time, causing the circuit to heat up and trigger the breaker.
2. Faulty appliance
A damaged or defective appliance can draw more power than necessary, overloading the circuit and tripping the circuit breaker. If the breaker constantly trips during the usage of a specific appliance (especially when no other appliances in the same circuit are being used), it is most likely that the appliance may be the cause. You can also usually tell when the appliance becomes unusually hot when in use.
3. Short circuit
Short circuiting can occur when two or more live wires come in contact with each other, causing the circuit to rapidly heat up. Short circuits will cause the circuit breaker to trip to avoid the risk of an electrical fire.
4. Ground fault
A ground fault occurs when a live wire comes in contact with a ground wire or a conductive material that is connected to the ground. This causes the circuit to flow on an unintended path into the ground, causing a surge in electricity that trips the breaker.
What To Do When The Circuit Breaker Trips
When a circuit breaker trips, most of us simply flip the affected switch back into position to restore power to the circuit. However, while it will fix things temporarily – this action is not always advisable, as it can result in damage to the circuit breaker after repeated attempts.
The first thing to do after a circuit breaker trips is to turn off recently used appliances in the room and check for any signs of electrical hazards. Appliances that feel hot to the touch may be a sign of faulty internal wiring that is causing the breaker to trip.
Signs of electrical fire include blackened power outlets, melted wires, or a burning smell in the air indicate a high risk of an electrical fault in the circuit.
If there are no signs of an electrical fire, consider rearranging the location of connected appliances. Generally, high-wattage appliances like heaters or hairdryers should be plugged into separate circuits in the home to avoid overloading issues.
When To Seek Professional Electrical Services
If the circuit breaker continues to trip unexpectedly, it’s time to call out an electrician. You should never attempt to repair or replace any part of the circuit breaker on your own due to the risk of electrocution. Instead, call an electrician to inspect the condition of the circuit breaker and the electrical system of the home. Get the help of a licensed electrician when:
- – The circuit breaker trips regardless of the number or arrangement of appliances used
- – The lighting in the home flickers or dims before the circuit breaker trips
- – There is a burning smell or evidence of an electrical fire near outlets after a circuit breaker trips
An electrician can identify the cause of frequent breaker tripping and offer the appropriate solution, whether it involves repairing the circuit breaker or replacing it with a modern model. In some cases, the problem may lie with a fault in the electrical wiring between the main power line and the property — this will require the expertise of a level 2 ASP electrician.
Call on Radiance Electrical’s team of level 2 electricians to put an end to constant breaker tripping — we provide switchboard upgrade and repair services across the Sydney North Shore and Northern Beaches region.
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