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Why Is My Circuit Breaker Tripping? 4 Potential Problems and Solutions

By Glenda Taylor , Bob Vila , Evelyn Auer

Updated on Dec 15, 2023 4:16 AM EST

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What You Need to Know

• A tripping circuit breaker could be a sign of an overloaded circuit, a short circuit, a ground fault, or a worn-out breaker.
• Homeowners will want to hire an electrician to determine the cause of the frequently tripping circuit breaker.
• Electricians may recommend replacing the circuit breaker, installing GFCI outlets, or rewiring part or all of the home.

Q: Every few hours—sometimes minutes!—my living room and one side of my kitchen lose electrical power. I’ll check the breaker panel and, sure enough, a circuit breaker has tripped…again. Should I call an electrician, or is there a simple DIY fix I can try first?

A: While it’s frustrating when a circuit breaker keeps tripping, they are important safety mechanisms. Designed to shut off the electrical current when something goes wrong, circuit breakers are one of the best ways of protecting a home from an electrical fire. “When a circuit breaker trips, typically it is because we use too much electricity, which causes it to overload and turn off,” says Christopher Haas, expert electrician and owner of Haas & Sons Electric in Millersville, Maryland. For those who need an electrical panels 101 refresher course or aren’t sure how to reset circuit breakers, each breaker has an on/off switch and controls a separate electrical circuit in the home. When a breaker trips, its switch automatically flips “off,” and it must be manually turned back on to restore electricity to the circuit. For those wondering, “Is it dangerous if a circuit breaker keeps tripping?” the answer is that it can be, depending on the source of the problem. An electrician can ultimately deal with the root issue, but a little sleuthing will reveal whether it’s something that’s easily remedied.

In many cases, the cause of a circuit breaking tripping is an overloaded circuit.

A circuit overloads when more electrical current is being drawn through the wires than they can handle, tripping the circuit breaker. If this happens, there may be a few additional signs:

• Buzzing noises coming from outlets
• Devices charging slowly
• Electrical outlets not working
• Flickering lights
• Scorch marks on outlets and light switches

If a circuit breaker keeps tripping in one room, homeowners can test for circuit overload by turning off all the switches in the affected area and unplugging all appliances and devices. After the breaker is flipped back on, the devices can be turned back on one at a time, with homeowners waiting a few minutes in between to see if the circuit remains on. If the breaker trips before all the appliances are turned on, the experiment can be repeated, this time turning them on in a different order. It may be necessary to do this several times to find out how many appliances can be operated at once before the circuit overloads.

“As a short-term solution, you can unplug unnecessary appliances to prevent tripping circuit breakers. You may still get some trips, but you can limit them by unplugging devices that you don’t need to use,” advises Dan Mock, vice president of operations at Mister Sparky , an electrical company with 90 locations in the U.S. The best long-term solution, however, is to pay an electrician for the cost to rewire the house and add additional circuits. The cost to replace an electrical panel is about $1,274 on average.

Other times, the issue may be caused by a short circuit.

A “short” circuit means that two wires that should not be coming into contact are inadvertently touching, triggering a sudden surge of electricity through the wires. A short can occur in an outlet, a switch, or within an appliance if wires are loose or have been chewed through by mice or pets. Some signs of a short circuit include:

• Popping sounds
• Discolored outlets or switches
• Burning smells

Testing to see if an appliance has a short is similar to testing for an overloaded circuit. When an appliance that has a short in its wiring is turned on, it will immediately trip the circuit. Homeowners can also try plugging it into an outlet in a different room. If the breaker for that room trips, there’s a short in the appliance (if it’s unclear what breaker goes to what room, the breaker can be identified with one of the best circuit breaker finders ). Electrical shorts can be a major fire hazard, so it’s a good idea to call a licensed electrician for this circuit breaker repair. It’s wise to stop using the outlet or appliance until a pro takes care of the problem.

Another potential cause of a circuit breaker tripping is a ground fault.

A ground fault occurs when the electricity running through a home’s wiring diverts from the wiring loop and travels to the ground, usually due to faulty wiring or water infiltration in an outlet or switch box. Water is a conductor, which is why walking through puddles is often listed as something not to do in a power outage in case of downed power lines. Once water makes contact with wires, electricity can jump from the wiring loop and follow the water trail. This creates a surge in electricity leading to a tripped circuit breaker. If a person comes in contact with the electricity that is on its way to the ground, this can result in electrocution. Homeowners may notice a few signs of a ground fault, including:

• Tripped GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets;
• A burning smell coming from an outlet; and
• Lights flickering.

Newer electrical breakers have features designed to protect against the danger of ground faults. According to Haas, “Ground fault breakers sense electricity going to earth as opposed to going through the wires of the circuit. You’ll find [these] for bathrooms, kitchens, garages, exteriors, and basements.” GFCI outlets are another safety feature that shut off the electric current within a fraction of a second of sensing a ground fault.

If a ground fault is the problem, the cause of the errant water must be discovered and repaired, and any damaged wiring must also be replaced. It’s also a good idea to install GFCI outlets in rooms where water is commonly used. A GFCI outlet costs $210 on average.

Sometimes a bad or worn-out circuit breaker can be the culprit.

In some cases, the circuit breaker itself may be faulty. Breakers that are old, damaged, or were installed incorrectly may trip frequently for no apparent reason. Alternatively, faulty breakers may not trip when they are supposed to, leaving the home at risk of electrical fire. Some signs of a bad circuit breaker include:

• The circuit breaker getting hot and tripping frequently;
• The circuit breaker won’t reset;
• It has been over 10 years since the breaker was last serviced; and
• The breaker has scorch marks.

An important electrical safety tip to keep in mind is that resetting a breaker over and over again can cause what is called an arc flash, which is a small electrical explosion that can be deadly. If resetting the breaker once does not remedy the issue, it’s a good idea for the homeowner to hire an electrician near them who knows how to replace a circuit breaker safely. Mock warns, “Don’t take any chances with circuit breakers. Instead, call a licensed electrician who knows the safe ways to replace breaker boxes, upgrade circuits, and diagnose potential electrical problems in your home.” Wiring a breaker box is a job to leave to an experienced electrician.

A professional electrician can help determine the specific cause of a frequently tripping circuit breaker.

Most circuit breaker problems—aside from those explained in the sections above—will need to be inspected and addressed by a licensed electrician. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) , each year “thousands of people in the United States are critically injured and electrocuted as a result of electrical fires, accidents, [or] electrocution in their own homes.” While homeowners may be tempted to save on electrician costs by attempting circuit breaker replacement or repair themselves, electrical work is not suitable for casual DIYers. “Yes, you have to pay, but you can save many hours of head-scratching by hiring an electrician. Electricians will also have all the right tools for diagnosing and repairing the circuit,” Haas adds. “Lastly, they will come with a warranty/guarantee should something arise, and they will typically return at no additional cost.”

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Why Does My Breaker Keep Tripping with No Load? Exploring the Causes and Solutions

• by Momentum Electrical Team
• October 11, 2024

Introduction

Tripping circuit breakers can be a frustrating and potentially dangerous issue in any home. But what causes a breaker to trip even when there’s no load? In this article, we’ll explore the common causes of breaker tripping without a load and provide valuable insights into troubleshooting, safety precautions, and preventive measures.

By understanding these factors, homeowners can effectively address circuit breaker issues, ensuring the safety and functionality of their home’s electrical system. So let’s dive in and learn how to keep your electrical system running smoothly and safely.

Common Causes of Breaker Tripping with No Load

Understanding the causes behind a electrical interruption tripping even when no load is present is crucial for maintaining a safe and efficient home electrical system. Here’s a deeper look into the common issues that could be causing your breaker to trip:

Short Circuits: A short circuit is a serious issue where an unintended connection forms between a hot wire and a neutral or ground wire. This usually results from damaged insulation, loose wire connections, or defective equipment. The high current that flows from such a fault can cause the circuit interrupter to trip as a safety measure to prevent potential fires.

Ground Faults: When a hot wire inadvertently connects with a ground wire, a ground fault is initiated. This often occurs due to appliance defects or when current takes an unexpected path to the earth, bypassing the normal circuitry. Ground faults cause the protective device to trip, thereby reducing the risk of electrical shock and other hazards.

Faulty Breakers: At times, the circuit breaker itself might be the issue. Breakers can become defective over time, with worn components or a malfunctioning trip mechanism causing them to trip without an apparent load. Substitution of the fault circuit interrupter is a typical resolution to this issue.

Overloaded Circuits: An overloaded circuit happens when too many devices are connected to one circuit, drawing more current than it’s rated for. To avoid harm from overcurrent, the circuit interrupter trips. Ensuring electrical loads are well-distributed can help prevent such occurrences.

Damaged or Corroded Wiring: Wires that are damaged or corroded contribute to resistance in the circuit, which can lead to overheating and subsequently tripping the breaker. Regular inspections can identify and fix these problems before they lead to a tripping hazard.

Circuit Malfunction or Overheating: Breakers can malfunction or overheat due to loose connections, aged parts, or excessive heat. These factors can cause the breaker to trip, signaling that it’s not managing the load or maintaining current flow properly.

By identifying these potential causes, homeowners can take proactive measures to diagnose and address the underlying problems. Regular maintenance and attention to the condition of electrical systems are fundamental in ensuring the safety and functionality of your home’s electrical infrastructure.

Signs of a Tripped Circuit Breaker

Electrical circuit issues are a common headache for homeowners, but understanding the signs of trouble can lead to faster resolutions. The loss of power in part of your home, usually an immediate and clear indication of a tripped switch, means that electricity is cut off to that area. While examining your electrical control panel, a lever that’s turned to the ‘off’ state uncovers a tripped circuit directly. Sometimes, more alarming signs like a burning smell or the appearance of sparks can suggest a critical fault related to electricity that merits prompt attention. Furthermore, a panel that is warm to the touch is a red flag indicating a potential hazard. These symptoms not only disrupt daily life but can also pose significant safety risks, emphasizing the importance of timely and safe intervention .

It’s crucial to bear in mind that a tripped breaker is frequently a sign of hidden power problems. These can range from simple overloads to more complex problems like short overloads or ground faults. Addressing these signs promptly can prevent further damage and ensure the safety of your home. Getting in touch with experts who specialize in energy management and automation can provide help in not only resolving the immediate issue but also optimizing your home’s power systems for efficiency and safety, thereby reducing expenses and contributing to your sustainability objectives.

Safety Hazards and Precautions

Making sure the safety of your home’s power system is crucial, especially when it comes to managing power switches. Safety devices are created to safeguard your residence by automatically cutting off the electricity when they identify an overload or a short. Nevertheless, in the event that a circuit interrupter is frequently tripping, it is an indication that there may be a significant power-related problem. To safely address circuit breaker problems, consider these measures:

Before inspecting or repairing any electrical component, including the breaker panel, always disconnect the main power supply. This is the first and most crucial step in preventing accidents involving electricity.

Use tools with insulated handles to reduce the risk of electric shock. These tools are specifically designed to provide an additional layer of protection when working with systems.

To avoid overloading the electrical system, make sure your electrical load is evenly distributed among the circuits in your home. This involves not overburdening a single electrical connection with too many high-wattage appliances or devices.

Regularly check your home’s wiring for any signs of wear, damage, or corrosion. Dealing with these concerns at an early stage can avert more severe complications in the future.

If a circuit interrupter trips, it’s important not to reset it repeatedly without investigating the root cause of the problem. Repeatedly resetting a tripper without resolving the underlying problem could result in potential dangers.

When facing intricate problems with electricity, always seek guidance from a certified electrician. They have the expertise to diagnose and fix the problem safely and efficiently.

By following these safety guidelines, you can help prevent fires and other risks associated with circuit breaker issues. According to the National Fire Protection Association, distribution systems are the third leading cause of home structure fires. In light of this, proper maintenance and handling of your home’s electrical system are not just about convenience but also about ensuring the safety of your household.

Troubleshooting and Diagnosis Steps

If your electrical connection fails, it’s crucial to systematically address the problem to determine the underlying reason and discover a resolution. Begin by identifying which electrical loop is responsible for the issue and disconnect all devices linked to it. Next, reset the switch by turning it off and then on. If it trips immediately, this could indicate a more serious problem like a short circuit or ground fault, and it might be time to consult a professional.

When reconnecting devices, do so one at a time to see if a specific one is causing the trip. Additionally, inspect the wiring for damage or loose connections and remedy any problems you discover. If the problem continues after these measures, testing the electrical circuit with a multimeter or seeking professional assistance may be required.

These steps are crucial to guaranteeing the safety and functionality of your home’s power system. Similar to the redundancy principle in relay modules for functional safety, addressing circuit interrupter issues promptly can prevent potential hazards. Remember, electrical systems are complex and interconnected; as seen in the Con Edison incident in Brooklyn, a single fault can have widespread effects. Therefore, maintaining a properly functioning circuit interruption system is not just about convenience but also about safety and preventing larger disruptions.

Solutions and Preventive Measures

Determining the main reason for a safety device malfunctioning is crucial for homeowners to implement effective actions. Here are some strategies for addressing common issues:

Short Circuit or Ground Fault: If faulty wiring, insulation, or electrical equipment is the culprit, it’s crucial to either repair or replace them to rectify the short circuit or ground fault.

Faulty Breaker: When the breaker itself is malfunctioning, replacement with a new one is the appropriate solution.

Overloaded System: To avoid excessive strain, it is recommended to distribute the power load across various systems. In cases where the load is too high for the existing setup, adding new circuits may be necessary.

Damaged or Corroded Wiring: Ensuring a proper electrical flow involves repairing or replacing any wiring that is damaged or corroded.

Circuit Malfunction or Overheating: Addressing any underlying issues that are causing the malfunction is essential. In some cases, replacing the faulty breaker may be required.

Electricity is a potent and occasionally capricious force, and dealing with power systems can be dangerous. Homeowners lacking experience or confidence in conducting electrical repairs should always consider hiring a licensed electrician to ensure safety and reliability.

When to Call a Licensed Electrician

Homeowners may frequently encounter electrical problems that can be resolved on their own, but specific situations require the skills of a certified electrician. When the source of a circuit interrupter’s tripping is ambiguous or unidentifiable, it’s crucial to seek professional assistance. Regular or repeated tripping of the circuit interrupter indicates a deeper issue that necessitates an electrician’s attention. Indications of significant problems with electricity, such as the smell of burning, noticeable sparks, or a warm panel that controls the flow of electricity, should never be disregarded. Furthermore, homeowners who lack experience or confidence in handling repairs should refrain from attempting to fix these problems themselves.

Licensed electricians have the essential knowledge, tools, and expertise to safely diagnose and address issues with circuit breakers, ensuring the home’s power system operates correctly and reducing the risk of hazards. For instance, a metal processing facility encountered considerable safety hazards as a result of unrecorded modifications to an air compressor’s panel, which had the potential to jeopardize service technicians. Similarly, a project that involved custom-building a PDU for a home automation system demonstrates the complexity and potential dangers of wiring work, underscoring the importance of professional involvement.

In the context of rising living costs, as highlighted by consumer data firm Dunnhumby, with inflation lingering at 7.1 percent and households cutting back on meals, the financial impact of malfunctions related to electricity can be burdensome. Therefore, ensuring electrical safety and efficiency not only contributes to the physical safety of a residence but also to the economic well-being of homeowners. Utilizing a professional electrician’s services can prevent costly damages and accidents, which is particularly significant when families are striving to manage their expenses in challenging economic times.

In conclusion, understanding the common causes of circuit breaker tripping without a load is crucial for maintaining a safe and efficient home electrical system. Short circuits, ground faults, faulty breakers, overloaded circuits, damaged wiring, and circuit malfunctions can all lead to tripped breakers. Recognizing the signs of a tripped breaker, such as a loss of power or a flipped switch, is important for prompt resolutions.

When troubleshooting a tripped breaker, approach the issue methodically by disconnecting devices, resetting the breaker, and reconnecting devices one at a time. Inspect wiring for damage or loose connections and seek professional help if needed.

To address common issues, repair or replace faulty wiring or equipment, replace faulty breakers, distribute electrical loads evenly, and address circuit malfunctions. When lacking experience or confidence, it is best to hire a licensed electrician.

Certain scenarios require professional assistance, such as ambiguous sources of tripping, frequent tripping, or signs of serious electrical issues. Licensed electricians have the expertise to diagnose and address circuit breaker problems safely.

By understanding these factors and taking proactive measures, homeowners can effectively address circuit breaker issues and ensure the safety and functionality of their home’s electrical system. Regular maintenance, prompt attention to signs of trouble, and professional assistance when necessary are essential for a safe and efficient electrical infrastructure.

If you’re experiencing a tripped breaker or loss of power, contact Momentum Electrical Contractors for prompt resolutions and reliable service.

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Circuit Breaker Tripping: Troubleshooting Guide

Hubert Miles | Licensed Home Inspector, CMI, CPI

Updated on January 5, 2024

A circuit breaker tripping results from short circuits, overloaded circuits, and ground faults. In each case, an unintended excessive flow of current triggers the trip. You must reset the circuit breaker by flipping it back on to restore power.

Circuit breakers trip because they cannot handle the amount of current running through them. Tripping the circuit breaker interrupts the flow of electricity and protects your devices or appliances from damage.

Get FREE estimates from licensed electricians in your area today. Whether you need to replace an outlet, hang a ceiling fan, a new electrical panel, or repair wiring, We Can Help!

Without electrical circuit breakers , the possibility of electrical fires would be much higher.  

This guide looks at what causes circuit breakers to trip, what you can do, and how to identify a bad breaker.

What Would Cause a Circuit Breaker to Trip

There are three leading causes of circuit breaker trips:

• circuit overload
• electrical faults (i.e., ground faults and arc faults)
• short circuits

Below are factors that can cause circuit breaker trips. 

Circuit Overload

A circuit overload happens when the flow of electric current running through the circuit exceeds the amperage of the devices it serves. 

For example, if your microwave is a 12.5 amp appliance, you can run it on a 15 amp circuit. That means your microwave is safe as long as the amperage running through the circuit is 15 amps .

However, if the circuit receives an excessive electrical load over 15 amps , it will automatically trip to protect your device from damage. If the circuit doesn’t trip, the excess current will fry the circuit in your microwave. 

Also, if you operate too many appliances and devices on one circuit, its internal mechanism heats up, causing the breaker to trip. 

Circuit overload is the most common reason for breakers tripping. 

Ground Faults

A ground fault occurs when the active wire comes into contact with a ground wire made of bare copper. Sometimes, this fault may happen when the hot wire touches the metal box connected to the ground wire.

Excessive current flows once the active wire touches the ground wire, flowing into the earth. If you step on the affected area, ground faults can cause shock and even electrocution. The uncontrolled flow of electricity will cause the circuit breaker to trip.

Arc Faults 

An arc fault happens when exposed faulty wiring touches, causing the electric current to arc at the meeting point. As a result, sparks occur, which can ignite an electric fire.

A corroded or loose connection is the main culprit for arc faults. Circuit overloads, ground faults, or short circuits trip an AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) circuit breaker.

Arc faults result from damaged, loose, or corroded terminals and wires. The arc fault builds up over time as the heat due to the cable damage and terminals build up to the point of ignition.

Short Circuits

A short circuit occurs when an active wire touches a neutral wire, and the electrical current takes an unintended path of least resistance. 

The common cause of short circuits is frayed wires coming into contact when the wires touch. The electrical current flow increases significantly, causing the circuit breaker to trip to stop the electricity from damaging appliances.

It is a short circuit because the current bypasses the proper circuit wiring channels and flows through a shorter, unplanned pathway.

Short circuits occur 

• When insulation melts and wires are exposed
• Within appliances with damaged internal wiring
• Due to damaged and frayed extension or appliance cords

How do You Fix a Breaker that Keeps Tripping?

A dedicated circuit breaker tripping indicates too much current flowing through the wiring or connection to the outlet.

Here is a step-by-step guide to follow when you notice the first trip:

• Begin by turning off all the appliances and unplug electrical devices from the outlet. Also, switch off light fixtures and unplug those that you can. This prevents any appliances from damaged when the breaker is reset and a sudden surge of power comes through.
• Open the circuit panel or box and locate the on and off buttons of the circuit breaker. You may notice an orange or red color on the breaker when it is off. 
• Flip the switch from off to on to reset the circuit breaker. Once the breaker is reset, you can switch and test the appliances to see if the electrical power is flowing.
• Keep safe as you reset the breaker by working from the side of the electrical box instead of the front. That way, you will avoid any sparks (should there be any) when you switch the breaker back on.
• Some people prefer to switch the main electrical switch when working on the circuit breaker for added safety. 

Types of Circuit Breakers

Standard circuit breaker.

Standard circuit breakers monitor the modulation of the electric current coming into your devices and appliances. 

This circuit breaker stops the current from flowing when it detects the excessive flow of electricity. 

Standard circuit breakers come in two forms:

• Single-pole circuit breakers
• Double pole circuit breakers

Single-Pole Circuit Breakers

Single-pole circuit breakers are the most common breakers in homes and buildings. They monitor the electric current’s flow in one wire and trip if that wire experiences a very high influx of electricity.

These breakers deliver only 120 volts and work well for 15 to 30 amp circuits. Single-pole circuit breakers come with one switch in the back. 

Double-Pole Circuit Breakers

The double-pole circuit breakers monitor the current in two wires simultaneously. You will notice two switches on the back of these breakers.

The double-pole circuit breakers will trip even if only one of the wires receives too much current. They can accommodate between 15 to 200 amps while delivering 240 volts. 

Single-pole breakers are a good fit for lighting fixtures and other standard home outlets. On the other hand, double-pole breakers work for larger appliances like dryers and washing machines. 

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)

The GFCI circuit breaker interrupts the line due to ground faults. They trip when the current starts to follow an uncharted path into the ground. These ground fault surges occur when a foreign conductor, like water, comes in contact with a receptacle .

At the same time, they offer protection against circuit overloads and short circuits. 

GFCI circuit breakers come built into specialized outlets required for wet areas in the home, including :

• Outdoor areas like the balcony, patio, porches, and decks
• Laundry rooms
• Swimming pools
• Six feet from a sink
• Six feet from the bathroom

These breakers help prevent shock or electrocution should the electrical outlet contact water. 

Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) 

The AFCI circuit breaker detects normal and abnormal arc faults, so it will trip when it detects a dangerous arc fault that can cause a fire. 

The AFCI circuit breaker doesn’t work to protect devices and appliances plugged into an outlet. It works to prevent electrical fires due to faulty connections and wiring. The internal sensing mechanism in the circuit breaker senses the conditions of an electric arc, and the circuit trips to avoid an electric fire.

AFCI protection can also be built into an outlet. The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires these types of breakers to feature in :

• Common rooms
• Laundry areas

AFCI and GFCI circuit breakers can co-exist and complement each other for the best protection.

Combination All Fault Circuit Interrupter (CAFCI)

The CAFCI breaker senses and reacts to any electrical fault, including ground and arc faults.

CAFCI is a relatively new technology that meets new NEC requirements for circuits requiring arc and ground fault protection.

Do Circuit Breakers Get Weak?

A circuit breaker can wear out and become weak. If a breaker trips frequently, the thermal or magnetic element can lose calibration, causing it to trip at lower amp loads than intended. A breaker constantly under thermal stress caused by overloading the circuit will eventually trip more frequently.

Let’s not forget breakers are not impervious to damage. As the internal mechanical parts wear out, they become very sensitive and may not hold under normal load amperage and temperatures.

Electricians refer to this as a bad breaker .

Will a Bad Breaker Keep Tripping

By definition, bad breaker malfunctions, so it will keep tripping until it is either replaced or rectified .

A licensed electrician performs this simple test to see if a breaker will keep tripping and determine if it can be repaired or replaced in the following steps.

• The electrician will switch off all the fixtures and appliances in the house. Also, unplug everything.
• Find the malfunctioning circuit breaker . The electrician will go to the electrical box and locate the breaker lighting orange or red or the one with the switch off.
• They will ascertain that it is the correct circuit breaker. After that, the electrician puts the breaker off.
• With the switch on, the breaker is back on as well. The electrician will plug the appliances into the outlet with the problem circuit breaker. Now, they will turn the devices and appliances on. 

If the breaker trips, the electrician will investigate the circuit’s current amount. The breaker is bad if the current is according to the appliance’s rating.

How You know if a Circuit Breaker is Bad

Breakers do wear out after a while. It has a problem if the breaker doesn’t stay on after resetting it.

Since the circuit breaker controls the electric flow in the house, it is essential to monitor it and catch signs that it has gone bad early.

Here are key signs that denote a bad circuit breaker :

It Frequently Trips

Frequent tripping could be because of a bad breaker. After tripping and resetting, your circuit breaker should stay on unless it detects high current flow. 

To ensure that the issue is not the electricity but the circuit breaker, call an electrician to examine your electricity’s flow and determine whether it is the cause of the constant tripping.

If it is not, then the circuit breaker is the problem. 

The Breaker Overheats

Electrical systems will heat up when active. Typically a breaker can heat to about 60°C (140°F) before problems arise.

Terminations for standard rated breakers: UL 489 Paragraph 7.1.4.2.2 says the temperature rise on a wiring terminal at a point to which the insulation of a wire is brought up as in actual service shall not exceed 50°C (122°F). Terminations for 100% rated breakers: UL489 Paragraph 7.1.4.3.3 says the temperature rise on the termination shall not exceed 60°C (140°F). Handles, knobs, and other user surfaces: UL489 Paragraph 7.1.4.1.6 says the maximum temperature on handles, knobs, and other surfaces subject to user contact during normal operation shall not exceed 60°C (140°F) on metallic and 85°C (185°F) on nonmetallic surfaces. Source: https://www.clipsal.com/faq/fa173839

Call an electrician immediately if the breaker becomes too hot.

There are Scorch Marks

Scorch marks around receptacles, appliances, and the electrical box should tell you your circuit breaker has gone bad.

The burn marks indicate that wiring insulation has melted off and the circuit wires are now sparking and emanating heat or fire. That means that the circuit breaker did not interrupt the excess current and reached the wires and burned them. 

You may see melted wire sheathing on the wire where it connects to the breaker.

Professional electricians can use a  thermal imaging infrared camera to locate the heat source. The infrared camera allows them to pinpoint the problem area through the walls and other construction material.

A Burning Smell

Sometimes you may smell the insulation burning, but no scorch marks are present to denote which outlet is the problem. 

With the help of the infrared camera, an electrician can help locate electrical issues. 

If you encounter a burning odor, shut off the main power and call for emergency service from an electrician. 

The electrical wires burn because power surges through the circuit, melting the wire insulation.

What is Nuisance Tripping

Nuisance tripping is when a breaker trips without a fault to warrant the interruption to the electric current flow.

Nuisance tripping occurs due to several reasons:

Stringent Protection on Circuits 

Sometimes the circuit is protected by stringent conditions that detect any variance as a fault and cause a trip. 

Such stringent conditions can be tuned to accommodate the home’s or building’s electric needs.

A Highly Sensitive Circuit Breaker

In some cases, the circuit breaker has been set to susceptible settings so that they can detect even the slightest fault, even a minor average variance.

For example, the manufacturer can set an AFCI circuit breaker to sensitive standards to detect another circuit’s arc. This common issue may occur in a daisy chain where the circuit breakers connect in a linear series. There may be a faulty electrical outlet you are unaware of on the circuit. It is common for multiple rooms to share a breaker in older houses.

The Breaker Encounters Power Under Different Conditions

The variation in the current is normal, but the breaker responds to it by tripping because the flow is outside the breaker’s regular operation.

Your circuit breaker is tripping because the voltage it is encountering is not within the standard operation. You will need to adjust the circuit breaker or the voltage to eliminate nuisance tripping.

The Breaker Trips with Nothing Plugged in

A breaker tripping with nothing plugged in occurs when a hot, neutral wire is touching somewhere in the circuit. The common causes include frayed or damaged electrical wires, loose connections, faulty electrical receptacles, light switches , or dimmers.

Electrical wire damage happens when:

• wiring is chewed by animals such as rats, squirrels , raccoons, etc
• wire sheathing and insulation ages and become frayed
• wires rub against sharp edges such as punch-outs with missing grommets or wire clamps

Loose connections often occur when electrical wire nuts come loose or electrical tape wears out causing wires to touch.

Defective wiring can be anywhere along the circuit, so it’s best to contact a licensed electrician to troubleshoot why the breaker is tripping.

Replacing a Bad Circuit Breaker

• Check the electrical panel to see the compatible approved circuit breaker brands. Also, make a note of the brand of the electric panel . This is to help you determine if there are upgrades they could recommend for the hardware.
• Order online or go to the hardware store and purchase the breaker of the same voltage as the one you are replacing.
• Go and open the electrical box and switch off the bad breaker. Loosen the terminals and remove the wires using a pair of needle-nosed pliers. Ensure the pliers have rubber insulated handles to avoid shock or electrocution since you will use the pliers to grab the live wires from the terminal. That is a safety measure.
• Remove the bad breaker. Replace it with the new breaker and slip its clips into place. Remember to switch off the replacement breaker.
• Next, using the pliers, hold the wiring and tighten the screws on the terminal. It is crucial to ensure that the wires and screws in the terminals are in the right place.
• Turn the breaker on and replace the electrical panel cover.

Can a Breaker Fail Without Tipping

If you have a newer electrical panel , it’s not likely for a breaker to fail and not trip. However, in older breaker boxes like Federal Pacific , the breaker failing to trip is common.

The main reason Federal Pacific was investigated by the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) was widespread structure fires involving breakers failing to trip when an electrical overload was present. They found that the circuit breaker contacts would fuse to the bus bar.

Modern breakers will trip when a failure occurs as an added layer of safety. Most older breakers did not have these safeguards.

With AFCI breakers, if the Internal sensing mechanism fails, the breaker reverts to a standard breaker. The AFCI sensor mechanism will no longer work, but the breaker would still trip from overcurrent protection. Therefore, you should test the AFCI breaker regularly.

Conclusion 

Listen to your circuit breaker . It’s alerting you of a problem when it trips. That communication could be a problem with the breaker itself, the circuit, or the amount of electric current coming into your home.

Hubert Miles is a licensed home inspector (RBI# 2556) with more than two decades of experience in inspection and construction. Since 2008, he has been serving South Carolina through his company, Patriot Home Inspections LLC. As a Certified Master Inspector, Hubert is dedicated to providing his expertise in home inspections, repairs, maintenance, and DIY projects.

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