Why Your Breaker Keeps Tripping
A breaker that trips is doing its job: protecting the wiring. But one that trips again and again is telling you something.
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Too many things on one circuit, like a space heater and hair dryer together, is the most common cause.
Short circuit
A hot wire touching a neutral or ground causes an instant trip, often with a pop or scorch mark.
Ground fault
Current leaking to ground, often near water, trips GFCI devices.
Arc fault
AFCI breakers trip when they detect arcing from damaged cords or loose connections.
Worn breakers
Old breakers can become weak and trip too easily.
Reading the breaker
A tripped breaker sits between on and off. Push it fully off, then on.
Summer trips
AC units and dehumidifiers running together can push older circuits to the limit.
When to stop
If it trips again right away, leave it off and call an electrician.
Next
See electrical repair.
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