Frequent Breaker Trips? When to Call for Expert Electrical Repair

Our lifestyle and home schedule are based on a constant and consistent supply of electricity; our homes literally hum with electricity. There are many devices in our home that require electricity, and the interruption of power creates the potential for harm and loss, and a need for electrical repair.

• Without consistent power, our food supply in refrigerators and freezers is at risk.
• Without consistent power, our homes cannot be heated or cooled properly.
• Without consistent power, our homes lose light and security.

Losing power to specific areas of the home while the family is away is especially distressing, since the electrical repair problem may not be resolved for hours, making a small problem a much larger problem. For this reason, a circuit breaker that trips repeatedly and unpredictably is essentially troubling and a need for electrical repair.

Why Do Homes Need Circuit Breakers?

• Residential wiring has flow limitations for current. Too much current will overload the wiring, create heat (potentially a fire), and potentially overload household devices.
• If a problem occurs in one area, the entire power supply is threatened and must be shut off.
• Regulating flow becomes very difficult with one massive electrical circuit.

The home’s wiring network is divided into multiple circuits, distributing smaller amounts of power where it is needed. Since there is always the potential for problems, safety devices are installed in each circuit, the circuit breaker. When a problem does occur, the circuit trips, disrupting the flow of electricity to keep everyone and everything in the home safe from the threat of fire and shock. When a circuit breaker trips repeatedly, it is a signal that something is wrong.

What Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips Indicate

If a breaker trips repeatedly, it indicates that a problem exists that needs to be addressed by an electrician. Possible trouble spots include:

• A problem appliance with high resistance, such as a space heater or kitchen range
• A problem appliance with a short circuit; electricity is finding a way to escape from the device, with the potential for electric shock
• A problem with a switch or outlet: loose wiring or a poor connection creates a short circuit
• An overheating problem: the appliances on a given circuit are calling for too much current, causing an overload
• A ground fault, sending an excessive amount of electricity into a ground wire or other ground source
• An arc in the circuit. This can emit an electric spark, threatening a shock or causing a fire
• An old or defective circuit breaker. Circuit breakers are designed for specific uses; an improper breaker can cause problems during daily use.

As you can see, the causes of frequent circuit breaker trips are potentially serious and should not be ignored.

The Hidden Dangers of Repeated Breaker Trips and Why You Need Electrical Repair

If the same breaker trips repeatedly and often:

• Make some observations about the affected circuit.
• Unplug all of the devices plugged into the circuit. Make sure that all appliances on the circuit are OFF.
• Reset the breaker. Push the breaker completely OFF, then turn it completely ON.
• Start turning the appliance back on, one at a time, then plug in the devices as before. You are looking for a problem appliance or whether too many devices overload the circuit.
• If a device seems to be a problem, tripping the breaker, repeat the first four steps a few times with variations as an experiment. Keep track of the results.

If the problem is revealed and can be resolved by moving devices, the problem might be resolved. If this does not work, call an electrician to solve the problem. An electrician can explore the problem and come up with a solution to keep everyone safe and the household schedule back on track.

Stop the Trip! Schedule Electrical Repair to Diagnose Serious Home Wiring Issues

A repeatedly tripping circuit breaker signals a potentially serious wiring issue, risking shock or fire in your home. Don’t risk your family’s safety or property—contact Air Pro Houston’s experts for a professional electrical repair assessment today. Call us now at 281-880-8805 to safely restore your home’s consistent power supply.

With our four decades of experience as the electrical repair experts in Cypress and Northwest Houston, AirPro Houston provides you with the knowledge of how to repair your home’s most complicated electrical issues, such as a tripping breaker. Call our residential electrician team at 281-880-8805.