Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping
Breakers trip for three reasons: the circuit is overloaded (too many devices), there's a short circuit (wires touching), or a ground fault (electricity taking an unintended path). Overloads are easy to fix yourself. Shorts and ground faults may require an electrician.
Step-by-Step Fix
- 1
Reset the breaker once
Go to your panel. A tripped breaker sits between ON and OFF. Push it firmly to OFF first, then back to ON. If it trips again immediately, skip to step 3.
- 2
Check for overload
If the breaker holds after reset, an overload was likely the cause. Count up the wattage of everything plugged into that circuit. A 15-amp circuit handles about 1,800 watts; a 20-amp handles 2,400 watts. If you're close to or over that limit, unplug devices and spread them across circuits.
- 3
Find a short circuit
If the breaker trips again immediately after reset, unplug every device on that circuit. Reset the breaker — if it holds, plug devices back in one at a time until it trips again. That device is shorted internally and should be discarded. If the breaker trips with nothing plugged in, the short is in the wiring itself.
- 4
Check GFCI outlets
If this is a bathroom, kitchen, garage, or outdoor circuit, look for GFCI outlets (they have TEST/RESET buttons). Press RESET on any that have tripped — this sometimes resolves the issue without touching the panel.
- 5
Call an electrician if needed
If the breaker trips with nothing plugged in, or if you smell burning or see scorch marks near outlets or the panel, stop here and call a licensed electrician.
⚠️ Safety Notes
- Never remove the panel cover yourself — the main lugs inside carry lethal voltage even with the main breaker off.
- A burning smell, warm outlets, or flickering lights are signs of a serious wiring problem — call an electrician immediately.
- Don't replace a breaker with a higher-amp breaker to 'fix' tripping — this is a fire hazard.
When to Call a Pro
If the breaker trips with nothing plugged in, trips repeatedly under normal load, or you notice any burning smell or discoloration near the panel, call a licensed electrician.
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