Breaker Keeps Tripping? What You Need to Know

A circuit breaker that keeps tripping is more than just an inconvenience — it's often a sign that something isn’t right. Circuit breakers trip to protect your home from electrical hazards, like overheating and fires.

But why does this keep happening? And what can you do about it? Let’s break it down.

Why Does My Circuit Breaker Keep Tripping?

Your breaker trips when it detects a problem with your electrical system. Here are the most common reasons why this happens and what you can do to fix them.

Circuit Overload

If too many devices are plugged into the same circuit, it can draw more electricity than the breaker can handle. This causes the breaker to trip to prevent overheating and potential fire hazards.

How to Fix It

Unplug some devices and spread them across different circuits. If the problem continues, you may need to upgrade your electrical panel or add a new circuit.

Short Circuit

A short circuit happens when a hot wire touches a neutral wire and creates a sudden surge of electricity. This can generate sparks, burn marks, or even a burning smell near the breaker or fuse box.

How to Fix It

Check for damaged or exposed wiring. Call an electrician immediately if you think a short circuit caused your breaker to trip.

Ground Fault

A ground fault happens when electricity takes an unintended path to the ground, often because of damage to wires or moisture. Ground faults can be dangerous, especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas.

How to Fix It

Look for signs of water damage or frayed wires. If your breaker keeps tripping in water-prone areas, install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets for added protection.

Faulty Household Appliance

Sometimes, the issue with your circuit breaker tripping isn’t with your home’s wiring, but with an appliance that is drawing too much power or has an internal wiring problem.

How to Fix It

Unplug all your devices on the circuit, then plug them in one by one to find the culprit. If an appliance causes the breaker to trip, it may need to be repaired or replaced.

Faulty Circuit Breaker

Breakers wear out over time. If yours keeps tripping without an obvious cause, it may be a bad circuit breaker that needs replacing.

How to Fix It

If your breaker is old or damaged, have a licensed electrician inspect it and replace it if necessary.

Corroded Wires

Over time, wires can corrode due to moisture, age, or pest damage. Corroded wires can cause overheating and increase the risk of short circuits or ground faults.

How to Fix It

Inspect the wiring for signs of corrosion or damage. If you notice any, call an electrician.

How to Reset a Tripped Circuit Breaker

If your breaker trips, resetting it correctly can help restore power to your home. Follow these steps to safely reset your circuit breaker and prevent further problems.

• Step 1: Turn off all devices connected to the affected circuit.
• Step 2: Locate the breaker panel and find the tripped breaker (it’ll be in the middle position or entirely off).
• Step 3: Flip the breaker fully off, then flip it back on.
• Step 4: Turn your devices back on one at a time to make sure everything is working correctly.

If the breaker trips again right away, there may be a deeper problem that should be handled by an electrician.

Are Electrical Issues Covered by Home Warranties?

Yes, many home warranty plans offer coverage for electrical systems, including faulty circuit breakers and wiring problems. View our electrical system coverage page to learn more about what's covered and how a First American home warranty can help you get repairs handled safely by a prescreened professional.

Avoid the Hassle of Unexpected Electrical Problems with a Home Warranty

A constantly tripping breaker can be a warning sign of bigger electrical problems. Power outages, faulty circuit breakers, or corroded wires can all lead to costly repairs and potentially unsafe conditions. If your electrical system or appliances need repairs, a home warranty can take care of covered failures and help you avoid expensive repairs or replacements.

Get a free quote today and keep your home’s systems and appliances protected.

The contents of this article are provided for general guidance only. First American Home Warranty does not assume any responsibility for losses or damages as a result of using this information.

Please be aware that if you disassemble a covered system or item, it can invalidate your home warranty or manufacturer's warranty.