Electrician Tips: The Top 7 Reasons Your Circuit Breaker Is Tripping Frequently | Wilmington, NC
As any homeowner knows, circuit breakers are essential to the electrical system. They help to protect your home from fires and other damage by automatically shutting off the power in the event of an overload. However, circuit breakers can also be a source of frustration when they trip frequently.
If your circuit breaker is frequently tripping, it’s important to determine the cause and take corrective action. Otherwise, you could end up in a dangerous electrical situation. In most cases, tripping circuit breakers are caused by either an overload or a short circuit. Here are the top seven reasons your circuit breaker is tripping:
You Have High Power Consumption Devices
One possible reason your circuit breaker is tripping frequently is that you have high power consumption devices plugged in. If you have several devices that use a lot of power–like space heaters or hair dryers– plugged into one circuit, it can overload the circuit and cause the breaker to trip. This is because they are drawing more current than the circuit can handle. If this is the case, you can try unplugging some devices or plugging them into different outlets. Another solution is to hire an electrician in Wilmington, NC, to install a higher-capacity circuit breaker. This is the best option if you frequently have high-power devices plugged in.
Your Wiring Is Outdated
Another reason your circuit breaker trips frequently is because your wiring is outdated. Homes built over 20 years ago likely have insufficient wiring to handle today’s electrical load. This is especially common in areas where the electrical demand has increased, such as the kitchen and laundry room. Updating your home’s wiring is a major project that only a licensed electrician should complete. However, it’s well worth the investment as it will help to prevent fires and other electrical hazards.
You Have an Old or Outdated Circuit Breaker
If you have an old or outdated circuit breaker, this may be the reason your circuit breaker is frequently tripping. As your electrical system ages, the breakers can become less effective at doing their job, which is to protect your wiring and outlets from overloading. In some cases, you may be able to have your old breaker replaced with a new one that is designed to handle the increased load of today’s electrical devices. However, in other cases, upgrading your entire electrical system may be necessary to accommodate the new breaker. Either way, if you suspect that your old breaker is the cause of your circuit breaker trips, it’s important to have it checked out by a professional electrician.
Faulty Appliance
If your circuit breaker trips frequently, it could be caused by a faulty appliance. An appliance malfunctioning can cause a spike in electrical current that trips the breaker. To determine if this is the problem, start by unplugging all circuits’ appliances. If the breaker no longer trips, you know that one of the appliances is to blame. To narrow down which appliance is causing the problem, plug in each appliance one at a time and keep an eye on the breaker. Once you find the appliance that trips the breaker, you’ll need to replace or hire an electrician in Wilmington, NC, to repair it. In the meantime, avoid using that appliance until it is fixed.
Loose Connections
Loose or damaged electrical connections are a common cause of circuit breaker trips. These can occur at the main service panel, where the utility service lines connect to your home’s wiring, or at any other point in the electrical system, such as junction boxes or fixtures. A loose connection arcing can cause excessive heat to build up, damaging the surrounding insulation and eventually trip the breaker. In some cases, loose connections can also cause sparks that could start a fire. If you find that your circuit breaker is frequently tripping, it’s important to have a qualified electrician inspect your electrical system to identify and repair any loose or damaged connections.
Using Extension Cords Instead of Power Strips
Many believe that extension cords are safer than power strips when preventing circuit breaker trips. However, this is not the case. Extension cords can be one of the leading causes of circuit breaker trips. This is because extension cords are not designed to handle the same amount of power as a power strip. As a result, they can overheat and cause a fire.
Extension cords are often not as durable as power strips, meaning they are more likely to fray or become damaged. This can also lead to circuit breaker trips. If you want to reduce the risk of circuit breaker trips, it is best to use a power strip instead of an extension cord. Alternatively, you can have a licensed electrician install additional outlets where you need them.
Wrong Size Fuse For Your Circuit Breaker
Another common cause of circuit breaker tripping is using the wrong size fuse for your circuit breaker. While it may seem like a small mistake, using the wrong size fuse can cause your circuit breaker to trip more frequently, which can be a nuisance and cost you money in the long run. Consult your circuit breaker’s manual or an electrician if you’re unsure what size fuse to use.
Once you have the correct size fuse, check that it is properly rated for the amperage and voltage of your circuit breaker. Using the wrong size fuse is a common mistake but easily avoidable with little research and care.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
If your circuit breaker is frequently tripping, don’t wait until it’s too late to have it checked out. A qualified electrician can quickly identify the problem and make the necessary repairs. Ignoring the problem could result in a fire or other serious electrical hazard. So, if you notice that your circuit breaker is tripping more often than usual, don’t hesitate to contact a professional.
We Are The Electrical Services Professionals To Reach Out To
If you need a qualified electrician in Wilmington, NC, our team at Mister Sparky of Wilmington is here to help. We are experienced in all aspects of electrical work and can help you with anything from circuit breaker repairs to installing new outlets. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
We look forward to helping you keep your home or business safe and running smoothly.