Why Does My Circuit Breaker Keep Tripping?

If your circuit breaker keeps tripping, it’s more than an inconvenience, it’s a sign that something in your home’s electrical system needs attention. At Christian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical, serving Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties (PA), we provide professional electrical diagnostics and repair to restore safe, reliable operation. Here’s what you need to know.

What a Circuit Breaker Trip Really Means

A circuit breaker is designed to interrupt electrical current when unsafe conditions arise, whether that means too much current (overload), a direct short circuit, or a ground fault. When it trips repeatedly, it’s not doing its job poorly, it’s doing its job alerting you that something is wrong.

Common Causes of a Circuit Breaker Tripping

Circuit Overload

Overload is the most frequent cause: when too many devices draw power from the same circuit, the current exceeds what the breaker is rated for and it trips.

Short Circuits

A short circuit happens when a “hot” wire contacts a neutral or ground wire, creating a path of low resistance and high current. The breaker will trip instantly in such cases.

Ground Faults

If current takes an unintended path to ground (for example through a person, a faulty appliance or damaged wiring), the breaker or ground fault interrupter will trip to protect from shock or fire.

Faulty Breaker or Aging Panel

Sometimes the breaker itself is worn out or the panel is outdated. If tripping happens with little load, the device or wiring may be failing.

Appliance or Wiring Fault

A specific device could be drawing too much current or have a fault that trips the circuit. Or wiring in the home may be damaged, corroded, or improperly installed, causing trips.

External Factors & Power Surges

Sometimes trips happen because of surges from outside your home (lightning strikes, utility grid issues) or momentary spikes that stress your wiring.

What You Can Do Before Calling a Professional

Identify the Affected Circuit

Labeling your panel and figuring out which breaker corresponds to which area can help isolate the issue.

Reduce Load Temporarily

Unplug or turn off high-draw appliances (space heater, oven, multiple devices on one outlet) and see if the breaker still trips.

Check for Visible Damage

Inspect outlets, switches, cords for scorch marks, melted plastic, buzzing sounds, or smell of burning. These are warning signs.

Reset Correctly

Turn the breaker fully OFF and then ON again. If it immediately trips again (with nothing plugged in) you likely have a wiring or breaker fault rather than an overloaded appliance.

When to Call Christian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical

Persistent or Immediate Tripping

If resetting doesn’t restore the circuit, or the breaker trips again immediately, call us. This often means a hidden wiring fault or defective breaker.

Signs of Fire Hazard

Any burning smell, flickering lights, hot outlets, visible damage, these call for urgent professional service.

Aging Electrical Panel or Wiring

If your home has an older panel (20+ years) or you’re experiencing multiple trips across circuits, we can evaluate your panel, upgrade wiring, and improve overall safety.

Professional Diagnosis, Repair & Upgrades

We will evaluate wiring, breakers, loads, panel condition and appliance behavior. We’ll perform repairs or upgrades and ensure everything meets code for your home’s safety and performance.

If your breaker keeps tripping and you’d rather get it resolved with one phone call than keep guessing, contact Christian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical. We’ll diagnose the root cause, provide safe repair or replacement, and restore reliable power to your home.