Troubleshooting
Why Does My Breaker Keep Tripping?
Updated
Short answer
A breaker trips because of an overload (too much on the circuit), a short circuit (hot touching neutral) or a ground fault (hot touching ground). If it trips when a specific appliance runs, it is usually an overload; if it trips instantly when reset, it is usually a short and needs an electrician.
Overload
Too many things running on one circuit at once. Common culprits are space heaters, hair dryers, microwaves and window AC units.
- Trips after a few minutes of use
- Stops when you move an appliance to another circuit
- Fix: spread the load or add a dedicated circuit
Short circuit
A hot wire touches a neutral, often from a damaged cord, a loose wire in a box or a failed appliance.
- Trips instantly, sometimes with a pop or spark
- May leave a burn mark
- Fix: find and repair the fault before resetting again
Ground fault
A hot wire touches ground or a grounded surface, often in damp locations.
- GFCI devices trip
- Common outdoors, in garages and bathrooms
- Fix: find the moisture or failed device
When to call an electrician
Call if the breaker trips instantly after reset, trips with nothing plugged in, feels hot, or if you smell burning. Never replace a breaker with a larger one to stop the trips; the wire size sets the breaker size.
When to call an electrician
If anything is warm, smells hot, sparks or keeps failing after the simple checks above, stop and call. The electrician will test the circuit, find the cause and make it safe. Related service: Electrical Repair & Troubleshooting.
Questions
Can a breaker go bad?
Yes. Breakers wear out, and some brands have known problems. An electrician can test it.
Is it safe to keep resetting a breaker?
Reset once. If it trips again, leave it off and find the cause.
Local help with electrical repair & troubleshooting
City guides with local permit offices, utilities and housing notes:
Editorial note: this guide is general information for US homes, not a substitute for an on-site assessment by a licensed electrician. Codes and permit rules vary by location.