Breaker keeps tripping

Symptoms

• Breaker switch flips to the middle or off position
• Power cuts out to a room or set of outlets
• Trips right away or only when certain appliances run

Likely causes

• CommonToo many devices on one circuitSpace heaters, hair dryers, and other high-draw items add up fast on a 15–20 amp circuit.
• CommonA faulty appliance or cordA short inside an appliance or a damaged cord can pull too much current.
• PossibleA short circuit in the wiringDamaged insulation lets hot and neutral wires touch, causing an instant trip.
• PossibleA worn-out breakerOld breakers can trip early even under normal load.
• Less commonA ground faultWater intrusion or a nicked wire touching a metal box can trip the breaker.

What to do

1. Unplug everything on that circuit, then reset the breaker by pushing it fully off, then on.
2. If it holds with nothing plugged in, add devices back one at a time to find what trips it.
3. If it trips instantly with nothing plugged in, suspect a wiring fault and stop using that circuit.
4. Check for a burning smell or discoloration at the panel or outlets, which points to a wiring problem.
5. Move high-draw appliances like space heaters or hair dryers to separate circuits.
6. Note whether the trip happens only with one specific appliance, and stop using that appliance until it's checked.
7. If the breaker won't reset at all or trips immediately with everything unplugged, call a licensed electrician.

Tools and parts

• Nothing beyond your hands for basic testing

When to call a pro

Call a licensed electrician if the breaker trips instantly with the circuit empty, trips repeatedly with no clear cause, or you see burn marks or smell burning plastic.

Safety