A breaker that trips is doing its job. A breaker that keeps tripping is telling you something about the circuit.
What are the common causes?
- Overload: too much running on one circuit, such as a space heater plus a hair dryer. Trips after a few seconds or minutes.
- Short circuit: a hot wire touching neutral or ground. Usually trips instantly, sometimes with a pop or scorch mark.
- Ground fault: current leaking to ground, often moisture or a failing appliance. GFCI breakers and outlets trip on this.
- Arc fault: damaged cords, loose connections, or a nicked cable. AFCI breakers trip on this. See GFCI vs AFCI.
- A worn-out breaker that trips below its rating.
How do I find what is tripping it?
Unplug or switch off everything on that circuit, reset the breaker, then turn things back on one at a time. If it trips with nothing plugged in, the problem is likely in the wiring or the breaker, and that is a call for an electrician.
When should I stop resetting it?
- It trips instantly every time.
- You hear buzzing, smell burning or see scorch marks at the panel or an outlet.
- The breaker feels hot or will not stay on.
- It is a problem panel brand such as FPE or Zinsco.
What does a repair visit cost?
IES repair and troubleshooting service calls start at $169.
About these prices: rough starting-at prices from the IES price book. The final price depends on what we find on site, your utility and your city or county. Estimates are free.
How to reset a tripped breaker safely
- Unplug loads. Turn off or unplug everything on the affected circuit.
- Find the breaker. Open the panel door (not the cover) and find the breaker that is in the middle or off position.
- Reset fully. Push the handle firmly to OFF, then back to ON. Stand to the side with dry hands and feet.
- Add loads back. Turn devices back on one at a time to find the one that trips it.
- Stop if it trips. If it trips again immediately, or you notice heat, buzzing or a burning smell, leave it off and call an electrician.
Common questions
Is it dangerous if a breaker keeps tripping?
It is a warning. Repeated trips mean an overload, a fault, or a failing breaker. Find the cause instead of resetting over and over, and call an electrician if it trips with nothing plugged in.
Can a breaker go bad?
Yes. Breakers wear out and can trip below their rating or, worse, fail to trip. An electrician can test and replace it.
General information for California homes under the California Electrical Code (based on the NEC). Local rules and inspectors can vary. Not a substitute for an on-site inspection. Never work inside a panel, at the meter or on live circuits.