1. Overloaded circuit
Space heaters, hair dryers, window ACs and microwaves on the same circuit add up fast. A 15A circuit should carry no more than about 12A continuously. Move a high-draw appliance to another circuit and see if the trips stop.
2. Short circuit
A hot wire touching neutral, often from a damaged cord, a loose connection in a box, or a nail through a wire. Shorts usually trip instantly, sometimes with a pop or scorch mark. Don't keep resetting it.
3. Ground fault
Current leaking to ground, common with outdoor outlets after rain, old appliances, or water in a box. GFCI devices trip at just 5 milliamps to protect people from shock.
4. Arc fault
AFCI breakers detect the signature of arcing from damaged wires or loose connections. Occasional "nuisance" trips can come from certain motors or older appliances, but repeated AFCI trips deserve a look.
5. A worn-out breaker
Breakers wear out, especially ones that have tripped many times. A breaker that trips under a normal load, or feels hot, should be replaced.
6. Loose connections
A loose terminal heats up, increasing resistance and sometimes causing trips. Warm cover plates, discolored outlets, or a burning smell are red flags.
7. Undersized panel or service
If the main breaker trips, or several circuits trip when the AC starts, your home may have outgrown its service. See panel upgrades.
Call an electrician when
- It trips immediately every time you reset it
- You smell burning or see scorch marks
- The panel, a breaker or an outlet is warm to the touch
- The main breaker trips
We'll find the cause with methodical testing and thermal imaging. Learn about troubleshooting or call (512) 965-6789.