Introduction: A Tripping Breaker Is Doing Its Job
When a breaker trips, it's easy to get annoyed. You flip the switch back on. It works for a while. Then, click, it trips again. It feels like a nuisance, but here's the important thing to understand:
A breaker that keeps tripping is protecting your home. It's telling you something isn't right. Sometimes the issue is simple. Other times, it's a sign of a serious electrical problem that shouldn't be ignored.
This guide explains why breakers trip, what you can safely check yourself, and when it's time to call a professional before the problem becomes dangerous.
1. What a Circuit Breaker Is Actually Doing
Your circuit breaker is a safety device. Its job is to:
- Stop electricity when a circuit is overloaded
- Shut off power if there's a short or fault
- Prevent overheating and electrical fires
When a breaker trips, it's reacting to unsafe conditions, not malfunctioning out of spite. Repeated trips mean the breaker is detecting a problem again and again.
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2. The Most Common Cause: Circuit Overload
The number one reason breakers trip is overload. This happens when:
- Too many devices are running on one circuit
- Appliances draw more power than the circuit can handle
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