A breaker trips to stop a circuit from overheating. If it keeps tripping, the cause is usually one of four things:
too much on one circuit,
a faulty appliance, a
short circuit, or a
ground fault. Less often, the breaker itself has worn out. If it trips again the moment you reset it, leave it off and call an electrician. Want help? See our
breaker repair & replacement service.
If you smell burning, see smoke or sparks, or an outlet or panel is hot: turn off the breaker if you can do it safely, unplug what you can, and call (323) 286-9800. If there’s fire or heavy smoke, get out and call 911.
1. An Overloaded Circuit
The most common cause. Older LA homes often have whole rooms on one circuit, so a space heater, microwave and hair dryer together can push it past its limit. The sign: it trips after a few minutes when several things are running, and holds when you unplug some of them. The fix is a dedicated circuit for the big loads, not a bigger breaker.
2. A Faulty Appliance
A damaged cord or a failing motor can trip a breaker the moment it turns on. The test: unplug everything on that circuit, reset the breaker, then plug things back in one at a time. If one appliance trips it every time, that appliance is the problem.
Want a licensed electrician to take a look? Ready Electric answers 24/7.
3. A Short Circuit
A hot wire touching a neutral, usually from a loose connection, damaged wiring or a failing outlet or switch. The sign: it trips instantly, sometimes with a pop, a spark or a burning smell. This needs an electrician.
4. A Ground Fault
Current leaking to ground, often from moisture in an outdoor outlet, bathroom or kitchen. These usually trip a GFCI outlet or GFCI breaker. If it happens after rain or sprinklers, water is the likely cause.
When the Breaker Itself Is the Problem
Breakers wear out. A breaker that trips with almost nothing running, feels warm, or looks scorched may need replacing. Federal Pacific and Zinsco panels are known for breaker problems, and replacing the panel is often the safer fix.
What Not to Do
Never replace a breaker with a bigger one to stop it tripping. The breaker is sized to protect the wire behind it. A bigger breaker lets that wire overheat inside your walls.
