At Central, electrical safety is a top priority. One of the key electrical components in your home are circuit breakers. Understanding the role and functionality of circuit breakers is essential for protecting your home from electrical hazards. The following guide will help you learn why circuit breakers trip and the importance of not ignoring these warning signs.
Understanding Circuit Breakers
A circuit breaker is a safety device designed to protect your home and property from electrical fires and damage. It does this by automatically shutting off the electrical supply by “tripping” when the current flowing through the wiring exceeds safe levels. This can happen for several reasons, such as overloading a circuit with too many appliances, a short circuit, or a ground fault.
Why Do Circuit Breakers Trip?
Circuit breakers trip to prevent overheating and potential fire hazards. Here are common reasons why a circuit breaker might trip:
Overloaded Circuit
The most common cause. When too many appliances or light fixtures are operating at the same time, it can overload the circuit. If you’re using power strips to multiply the number of available plug options in your home, consider having an electrician add new circuits and outlets.
Short Circuit
A more serious issue where a hot wire comes into contact with a neutral wire, causing a large amount of current to flow and tripping the breaker.
Short circuit causes include:
- Faulty wiring or insulation
- Loose wire connections – often found in outlets, switches, or other connection points within the electrical system.
- Damaged or aged electrical components
- Water damage
- Rodents and pests chewing through wiring insulation
- DIY projects and improper electrical repairs
- Overheating of electrical devices or wiring
Ground Fault
Ground faults occurs when a hot wire touches a ground wire or the metal box, leading to an excess flow of electricity which trips the breaker.
What to Do When a Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping
Try to Identify the Cause
Before resetting the breaker, it’s important try to identify which appliances or devices are causing the overload and unplug them.
Reset the Breaker
After unplugging the device{s), reset the breaker by flipping it to the ‘off’ position and then back to ‘on’.
If the breaker trips again, have a qualified electrician inspect the circuit before resetting it again.
Spread Out Electrical Devices
Avoid plugging too many devices into one circuit. Distribute your electrical devices across different circuits. Space heaters and other appliances that generate heat tend to draw more current and should not be plugged into shared outlets.
Inspect for Visible Damage
Look for any visible signs of damage on cords, plugs, and outlets. Replace worn out cords.
When to Call an Electrician
It’s important not to ignore the signs of electrical issues. Here are situations where you should call a professional electrician:
Frequent Tripping
If a breaker trips frequently, it’s a sign that professional diagnosis is needed.
Burning Smell or Visible Damage
Any sign of burning or damage to electrical outlets, wires, or the breaker box itself requires immediate attention.
After a DIY Project
If you’ve recently done a DIY project involving your electrical system and are experiencing electrical issues, play it safe and get a professional to inspect your work.
Importance of Professional Electrical Installation and Repairs
A licensed electrician can help identify and fix the root cause of your electrical problems, ensuring the safety and protection of your home. They can offer solutions that might not be apparent to the untrained eye and help prevent future issues.
If you’re experiencing issues with your circuit breakers or have any concerns about your home’s electrical system, don’t hesitate to contact Central Heating Cooling Plumbing Electrical. Our team of experienced electricians are here to ensure your electrical systems are safe, efficient, and reliable.
