If your circuit breaker is constantly tripping, it’s important to take the necessary steps to identify and rectify the issue. This article will provide a step-by-step guide for troubleshooting why your circuit breaker keeps tripping. Read on for tips on how to find what is tripping your breaker.
Why Your Circuit Breaker Could be Tripping
There are several reasons why a circuit breaker may keep tripping, including:
- Overload: Circuit breakers are designed to trip when they detect an overload of electricity. Overloading can cause the circuit breaker to trip more frequently, leading to wear and tear on its components.
- Short circuit: A short circuit occurs when two electrical wires come into contact with each other. This can cause an excessive amount of current to flow, which can damage the circuit breaker.
- Age: Like all electrical components, circuit breakers can wear out over time. Older circuit breakers may become less effective at tripping when they are supposed to.
To test your circuit breaker, follow these steps:
- Turn off all electrical devices and appliances connected to the circuit breaker that you want to test.
- Locate the circuit breaker box and identify the circuit breaker you want to test.
- Flip the switch to the “off” position and then back to the “on” position.
- If the circuit breaker trips again immediately or shortly after resetting, this may be an indication of an issue with the circuit or the circuit breaker itself. It is recommended that you consult a licensed electrician to diagnose the problem.
- If the circuit breaker does not trip again, it is likely working properly.
It’s important to note that testing a circuit breaker can be dangerous if not done correctly. If you are not comfortable working with electricity or are unsure about how to test a circuit breaker, it’s best to hire a licensed electrician to do it for you.
How To Find What Is Tripping Your Circuit Breaker
Check Load
The first step in determining what is tripping your circuit breaker is to check the load on the circuit. Ensure that you are not running more appliances than the circuit can handle. Additionally, check that all items plugged into the same outlet are functioning properly. The sum of all these appliances should not exceed 80 percent of the total amperage of your circuit breaker as this can cause it to trip.
Check Wiring
If your load is within reasonable limits, then you will need to check the wiring connections. This will help pinpoint any issues with them that may be causing your circuit breaker to trip. Check that all wires are connected tightly and securely. Loose connections can cause heat buildup and result in a short which will trip your breaker. You should also inspect each wire for signs of damage like fraying or melting insulation – both can lead to electrical problems which could be behind your frequent tripping issues.
Check the Circuit Breaker
If there are no wiring issues, then you should next inspect the actual circuit breaker itself for any problems. Check for any obvious signs of damage or corrosion due to moisture or dust accumulation. It’s also a good idea to verify that the particular type of breaker being used is suitable for the application. An incorrect choice could easily lead to frequent tripping problems.
Hire an Electrician
If you are still having problems with your circuit breaker tripping frequently after completing all these checks, it’s best to hire an electrician. A professional electrician like Integra Electrical can help diagnose and fix any underlying issues with greater accuracy and safety than DIY methods allow for. We have experience dealing with these types of problems so we can quickly identify what needs fixing and get it done without any hassle or delays. This ends up saving you time and money in the long run!
Conclusion
Circuit breakers are designed as a safety measure against overloads on power circuits but if yours keeps tripping then it may indicate a deeper problem lurking beneath the surface. By following this simple guide, you’ll be able to determine why your circuit breaker keeps tripping. That way, you can take appropriate action such as reducing the load on a particular outlet or hiring an electrician if necessary. This ensures that you stay safe while avoiding costly repairs down the line. Don’t wait to call Integra Electrical to diagnose any circuit breaker issues so that your family stays safe.