A circuit breaker is designed to protect your home’s electrical system by shutting off power when it detects a problem. However, if your breaker is constantly tripping, it can be more than just an inconvenience—it may indicate a serious electrical issue. At Super Power Electric, Heat & Air, we understand how frustrating this can be, and we’re here to help homeowners in Red Bank, NJ, and the surrounding areas identify and resolve these issues.
One of the most common reasons for a tripping breaker is an overloaded circuit. This happens when too many appliances or devices draw power from the same circuit, exceeding its capacity.
Signs of an overloaded circuit:
Breaker trips frequently when multiple devices are in use.
Flickering lights or buzzing sounds.
Warm or discolored outlets.
What To Do:
Unplug unnecessary devices and redistribute the load across different circuits.
Consider upgrading your electrical panel if your home’s electrical demands have increased.
A short circuit occurs when a hot wire comes into contact with a neutral wire, causing a sudden surge of electricity that trips the breaker.
Signs of a short circuit:
Burning smell near outlets or the breaker panel.
Scorch marks or melted wiring.
Breaker trips immediately after resetting.
What To Do:
Inspect appliances and outlets for visible damage.
Call a licensed electrician to locate and repair faulty wiring.
A ground fault occurs when electricity escapes the intended circuit and takes an unintended path to the ground, often through a person or a conductive surface.
Signs of a ground fault:
Breaker trips when using electrical devices in wet areas like kitchens or bathrooms.
GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets frequently trip.
Solution:
Ensure all wet area outlets are GFCI-protected.
Have a certified electrician inspect for faulty wiring or damaged insulation.
Sometimes, the problem isn’t with your electrical system but with an appliance plugged into it. A faulty appliance can cause excessive electrical flow, leading to repeated breaker trips.
Signs of a faulty appliance:
Breaker trips only when a specific appliance is plugged in.
Appliance emits a burning smell or sparks when in use.
Solution:
Unplug the suspected appliance and try using another one on the same circuit.
If the breaker no longer trips, replace or repair the faulty appliance.
While some tripped breakers can be resolved with simple troubleshooting, frequent or unexplained breaker trips may signal a larger electrical problem. It’s crucial to have a professional electrician inspect your system to ensure your home’s safety.
At Super Power Electric, Heat & Air, we provide expert electrical services to homeowners in Red Bank, NJ. Our licensed electricians can diagnose and circuit breaker repair issues to keep your home safe and efficient.
If your circuit breaker keeps tripping and you’re unsure why, don’t take risks—call our experts for a professional inspection. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or call us directly at (732) 851-8487 and ensure your home’s electrical system is in top shape!
Super Power Electric, Heat, and Air is your trusted local expert for top-notch electrical and HVAC services in Red Bank and Central, New Jersey. We specialize in providing reliable solutions for all your electrical needs, heating system installations, and cooling maintenance.