An overloaded circuit is the most common reason that a circuit breaker trips. It happens when a circuit is attempting to pull a larger electrical load than it is meant to carry.
A breaker that trips once may be doing its job; one that trips repeatedly signals overload, a short, or a weak breaker. Unplug devices on the circuit and reset once. If it trips with nothing connected, call a licensed electrician—do not swap for a larger breaker. AFCI and GFCI breakers also trip on nuisance faults that require proper diagnosis.
Tripping is a safety feature. A circuit breaker cuts off the electrical power flow to protect the circuit from overheating and causing any damage if you are using too many electrical items or appliances together. This is usually the main cause that your breaker turns off the power.
For example, if you simultaneously switch on your coffee maker and toaster and also run the dishwasher while going on to use the hairdryer or curler, the circuit breaker could trip due to the excessive amount of current that is being drawn by all the appliances connected to that particular circuit.
Similarly, tripping could happen if there is an electrical fault, or if an electrical appliance in the house is faulty. Faulty appliances can cause serious damage to your electrical system, and also to you. The result can be appliance damage, electrical shock, or even a fire. Over-burdened electrical extensions can also trip a breaker.
Fixing a Tripped Breaker:
- Turn off all light and appliance switches along the circuit.
- Move the circuit breaker located in the breaker panel to the OFF position
- Identify and correct the malfunction before resetting the breaker
- Then turn the circuit breaker back to the ON position.
- Turn on each light switch or appliance switch, one at a time.
Exercise caution—avoid running too many gadgets at the same time, and maintain all your home appliances in perfect working condition.
Related from STS Electric: electrical panel safety and upgrades, circuit breakers and fuse boxes, and overloaded circuit solutions.
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