What to Do if Your Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping

Is your circuit breaker acting like it’s on a permanent vacation? We get it—you're just trying to keep the lights on, and suddenly, bam! The breaker trips. Over and over again. It's like that one friend who says they’ll only stay for a minute, but somehow never leaves.

But don’t panic. Darhower Electric is here to help. Whether it’s your home office, kitchen gadgets, or a never-ending stream of Netflix, we’ve got some tips to get your breaker back in shape. So, let’s dive into what’s happening when your breaker trips and how you can solve it (without calling in the fire department).

1. Too Much Going On? Overloaded Circuits

Picture this: you're blasting your favorite playlist while using the microwave, hairdryer, and toaster all at the same time.—what could go wrong? Hint: A lot. If your circuit is overloaded with too many appliances or devices at once, your breaker might trip to prevent a bigger headache (or a potential fire hazard).

What to do: Take a step back and unplug a few devices. Give that poor circuit some breathing room. If you keep overloading the same breaker, it might be time to call in the pros to add a new circuit or upgrade the old one.

2. Faulty Wiring: When Things Get Sketchy

Sometimes, your breaker trips because something’s not quite right in the wiring department. Maybe it’s a loose connection or faulty wiring that’s getting a little too cozy with moisture or heat.

What to do: This is where we come in—don’t mess with wiring! If you suspect a problem with your wiring, it’s better to call a professional (like Darhower Electric) to do a thorough inspection. We’ll track down the issue and fix it before things go kaboom.

3. Tripped Breaker: The Reset Button Isn’t Your Friend Forever

Sometimes it’s a simple fix. You push the reset button, the breaker clicks, and you’re good to go. But if the breaker keeps tripping, it’s likely telling you it’s tired of being reset and needs attention.

What to do: Try to reset the breaker once. If it keeps tripping after that, stop pushing the button like it’s your favorite game on your phone. Call a professional to inspect your panel. Don’t ignore a tripped breaker—let’s not tempt fate.

4. Short Circuit: It’s More Serious Than You Think

A short circuit happens when a hot wire touches a neutral wire (or another grounded part of the system). It’s like a party crash that cuts the power. Short circuits are often caused by damaged wires or faulty appliances.

What to do: This is one you don’t want to try to fix yourself. You’ll need a licensed electrician (eh hem, Darhower Electric) to track down the source and make repairs. Short circuits can lead to more serious problems, like fires or damage to your appliances.

5. Ground Fault: Electricity’s Sneaky Sidekick

A ground fault happens when a hot wire touches a grounded surface (like a water pipe or a metal part of your appliance). This can be a sneaky culprit for tripping your breaker, especially in damp areas like kitchens and bathrooms.

What to do: Ground faults can be tricky, so it’s best to call a pro to handle it. They’ll inspect the wiring and fix the problem before it leads to a bigger shock (literally).

6. Time for an Upgrade?

If your breaker trips regularly and your house is older, it might just be time for an upgrade. Older systems weren't designed to handle the amount of power our modern devices need. A new electrical panel or upgraded circuit breakers can solve many of these issues.

What to do: If your house is over 30 years old, it might be time to give your electrical system a much-needed upgrade. Darhower Electric can handle that for you with minimal fuss and maximum safety.

When in Doubt, Call Darhower Electric

If your breaker keeps tripping and you’re unsure why, don’t leave it to chance. Trying to fix it yourself could lead to more damage or safety hazards. Darhower Electric is your local expert when it comes to all things electrical. Our team can help diagnose and fix the issue quickly and safely—so you don’t have to keep resetting that breaker.