light switch trips breaker

Breaker Trips When I Turn The Light On – How To Troubleshoot

Breaker trips from light switch. I turn the kitchen ceiling light switch ON and the circuit breaker trips . I am assuming the light switch or the light fixture is the cause. What can cause the breaker to trip when the light switch is turned on?

There are different reasons why a breaker will trip/reset when you turn on a light using a wall switch. See below for the reasons why flipping on a light switch could cause a breaker to trip/flip/reset.

SAFETY: Be sure to flip the breaker off when inspecting or troubleshooting any electrical issue. Use a flashlight or headlamp to safely inspect the area. Use the appropriate tools/gloves when working with electrical components. It is recommended to read this complete page before you begin troubleshooting your electrical issue.

Quick Troubleshooting: Start by turning the breaker OFF. Check the light switch by removing the switch cover. Fix any wires that are loose or damaged. Check the light fixture for any brittle/damaged or loose wires. If both the light switch and light fixture are wired properly, next inspect the wiring within the circuit. Most “breaker tripping” issues in this case involve the light switch and or the light fixture. For more detailed information keep reading below…

Recently replaced the light switch or fixture? If you have replaced the light switch or light fixture with a new one and the breaker trips when you turn the light on, the switch or fixture is most likely wired incorrectly. Turn off the circuit breaker and rewire the switch or fixture. Use the wiring diagram that came with the light switch/fixture to wire it correctly.

Having electrical issues with your ceiling fan? Ceiling fans may vibrate connections loose and cause a tripping breaker.

What do I check to fix the breaker from tripping? To find out why the breaker trips when you turn the light on, check the wiring, the light fixture, and the light switch. Inspect all components to be sure the wiring on the light fixture and light switch are not loose or damaged. Check the switch and fixture for the correct wiring with no shorts to neutral/ground. All of these conditions can cause the breaker to trip.

How To Fix Light Switch/Trips Breaker

Troubleshoot efficiently by checking the switch first. Remove the switch plate (2 screws) and check the switch with a flashlight. Inspect for any wiring touching the side of the box or other wires. Fix as needed, then check the light fixture and inspect the wiring for issues. If the issue goes beyond the light switch and light fixture, call an electrician to troubleshoot the problem.

When a light switch trips the breaker, a faulty light switch or light fixture is usually the cause. A wire may have come loose at the switch or fixture and is shorting out the hot wire. Always check the switch and fixture first.

Also check any GFCI receptacles that are on the circuit for a malfunction or fault.

If you recently hung a picture or put a nail/screw through the wall, this is likely your issue as a nail or drill bit may have damaged the wiring. If a nail or screw has damaged the wire, you can replace the wiring around the fault by using junction boxes for the splice.

Why Does Light Switch Trip Breaker?

See below for the reasons why a breaker can trip and what may be causing the problem. There can be more reasons but these are the most common/average.

Light Switch Can Trip Breaker When:

• Light Fixture Fault
• Light Switch Is Faulty
• Wire Connections Are Loose
• Short Circuit Issues
• Ground Fault Problems
• Nail/Screw Through Wiring
• Rodent Chewed/Damaged Wires
• Faulty GFCI Receptacle

Reasons Light Switch Trips Breaker

1. Light Fixture Fault If a light fixture is faulty, a breaker can become overloaded. The wires in an old light fixture can fall apart and cause a short or ground out. Turn off power before checking the light fixture for damage. Replace the light fixture if found to be faulty.

2. Light Switch Is Faulty A light switch that has become faulty can short out and trip a breaker. An old light switch can crack and become unusable and cause the breaker the flip. The wires can become brittle and cause a circuit overload or a short. Turn off the breaker when checking the light switch. Replace the light switch if found to be faulty.

3. Wire Connections Are Loose If any of the wires become loose it can ground out and short circuit causing the breaker to trip/reset. Remove power, remove cover if applicable, and inspect the terminal screws on the switch to be sure they are not loose. If loose, tighten the screws and be sure they are secure. Be sure terminal screws are tightened all the way down.

4. Short Circuits A wire is contacting another wire and current flows through and flips the breaker. Wires can become brittle and the insulation can fall off. Inspect all wires to be sure there are no short circuits. Replace any wiring if you find it to be brittle and or the insulation has become brittle and falling off. This causes grounding and shorts.

5. Ground Faults This happens when a live wire comes in contact with a metal area of the switch housing or similar. This can cause shock and also trip the breaker. Inspect all areas on the wiring to be sure there are no ground faults.

6. Nail/Screw Through Wiring If you have drilled into the wall to hang a picture lately, you may have drilled too deep and damaged a wire. This is a difficult scenario as the damaged wire will need to be repair and or replaced. It is best to call a pro at this point.

7. Rodent Chewed/Damaged Wires A rodent in the wall may have chewed on the wiring. This will cause damaged wiring and cause a short that will flip the breaker. The wiring will need to be repaired or replaced.

8. Faulty GFCI Receptacle Check any GFCI receptacles on the circuit for a malfunction. If the light switch wiring is going through a GFCI receptacle and the GFCI is faulty, this can cause a problem and trip the breaker. Replace the GFCI receptacle if found to be faulty.

More common electrical problems and solutions:

What To Do If Electrical Breaker Tripping In Your Home?

Microwave Oven Tripping Breaker

Power Out In One Room But Rest Of The House Has Electricity?

No Power To Outlets In One Room Or Wall

If you have read through this page and still have a light switch that trips the breaker, please describe your issue below and we will get back to you with a solution.

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8 thoughts on “Breaker Trips When I Turn The Light On – How To Troubleshoot”

I just recently moved into a old family rental house and in the kitchen there is a ceiling fan light combo and a block off plate for the switch meaning no switch. Well I got tired of having to pull the cord while walking slowly to try and not trip in the dark. I pulled the cover off the wall and have old 2 wire 1 yellow or white and 1 black both capped off. So I thought easy enough and hooked a switch up to it not thinking. The light and fan have power so putting a switch here will do nothing. Well acted without using common sense and installed a switch, when the switch is off lights and fan working as they were before, when I flip the switch on it throws a breaker and the light and fan turn off. So I took the fixture down and it’s wired White wire to white wire green capped black to black and in the same wire nut black to blue there is 4 different wire strands coming into the ceiling box all 2 wire – black and white all besides 1 set are wired together and then to the fixture. Another reason I’m putting in a switch is because we’re thinking about moving the fan and light to the living room and putting a standard light fixture, we can’t do that if theirs no switch it stays on constantly.

I have 6 spotlights in my kitchen ceiling , when they are turned on after some time the breaker will trip , tried installing new spotlights and it still tripping , any suggestions please

My lightswitch has 3 sets of wires coming into it, live feed from the box, run to the light, and continued circuit through to the outlets. I wired a piggy tail from the live feed to the switch and connected the light run and outlet run together with a piggytail. All whites are capped and all grounds are capped. I have to power to my light switch but no power to my outlets. When I flip the switch it shorts out the AFCI Breaker. I then checked to see if it is the light and so I hard wired the light to the live feed from the breaker panel and the light stays on while the switch is off but I still have no power to my outlets. We ran the wire and it all testes great, only time we started to have issues was when I had to change the Breakers out with AFCI Breakers.

Cornelius, Sounds as if there is an issue with the breaker that you are using for the lights. If the breaker for the lights or outlets is causing the main breaker to reset or trip, then check the light breaker for faults or wiring issues. You may want to have a professional assist you as working in a main breaker box can be a safety issue if you do not have much experience with high voltage. -RR

I have a problem, my main power box trips when I switch the lights breaker on but when the light breaker is off, all of the electrical outlets are working, please what’s cause of the problem?

installed new light circuit, when the switch is in off position and I flip breaker on, the 2 light fixtures are on, hit the switch to on a the breaker trips. Power is getting to the switch, in off postion the circuit works, turn the switch to on and breaker trips. I must have a wire from switch in wrong plsce or wrong on the first light of two in the circuit.

The breaker started tripping when I added a second light on a combination switch and the switch is also powering a second room and all my wiring is done right, I’m assuming is that the breaker is overloaded but I will like a second opinion or confirm my deduction

I hung a new ceiling fan, the old one was just wired into the neural side of the wiring, all hooked up on the white wire. I rewired the new one into the wiring like it should be, black to black, and white to white, now when i turn on the wall switch it trips a breaker.

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Why a Circuit Breaker Trips When the Light Switch is Turned Off?

Written by  Edwin Jones  / Fact checked by  Andrew Wright

Do you want to use electricity without problems, but your light switch is a headache? If a circuit breaker trips when the light switch is turned off, most likely, it’s a result of a common wiring mistake. However, there are other reasons you should keep an eye on.

You’ll never know what will happen if you let this malfunction go unaddressed, so keep reading and see the listed possible reasons. It is necessary to determine your next step on this matter to maintain a healthy power source for your home.

Table of Contents

You Have a Miswiring in a Switch Loop Setup

A double throw switch is causing the problem, what if your switch is a single pole single throw, a loose wiring connection.

When you install lights, you buy new fixtures, switches, and perhaps a new set of wiring too.

Now you think you did the proper process — hot-to-hot wire and neutral-to-neutral wire, but in the end, the light switch trips breaker when turned off. Even though you reversed the way you plug the wires, the result stayed the same. This pain in the butt frequently happens when you have a switch loop set up.

A typical DIY guy mistake in a switch loop setup is when all black and white wires are connected. This miswiring causes the light to turn on even though the switch is off. Because it’s improper, it shorts the circuit and trips the breaker when the switch’s on.

To properly rewire this connection, you will need a marker and proceed to the following steps:

• First, the circuit breaker’s black wire connects to the white wire and other black wires that feed other devices.
• Remember to put a black marker on both ends of the switch and the light.
• Then, connect the circuit breaker’s white wire to the light’s and other devices’ white cables.
• Next, connect your switch’s black wire to the black wire for the lights.
• Finally, link all the ground wires together and to the ground screw from the lighting fixture and the box.

If your residence had a history of a bad renovation or electrical rerouting by an untrained contractor, your wirings might be in trouble. It is time to remove the cover panel of your switch box and investigate the situation of your switch inside the box.

A breaker that trips from an off light switch is not common among households today. This occurrence happens because of poor wiring of a light switch like the “Single-Pole, Double Throw” switch.

You’ll know you have this kind of switch when it doesn’t have ON and OFF markings on the switch toggle.

It’s a bad sign if your switch is leaning on the side of the grounded box where it is mounted. A switch is in an improper position when the switch pole screw lies against the switch box and the runner is shorted, which causes the fuse to blow when you turn the lights off.

Also, the breaker will trip if the runner short circuits to the ground or neutral wire somewhere along the wiring’s terminus.

If you have double-throw switches for a three or four-way switch, look out for a shorted traveler wire. It’s possible a switch was removed, causing the travel wire to short-circuit ( Read now how to test a shortstop circuit breaker here ).

A standard single throw switch is a typical switch for a light fixture. You can typically find this at home with three screws for hot wires and a ground wire. Its clear difference from a double throw is that the switch toggle has an ON and OFF indicator.

Now, what’s the catch when you have a single pole, single throw switch? Will you have the same dilemma as with the double throw? Well, technically, the answer is yes. You can still experience a problem where a breaker trips when switch is turned off, but for other reasons.

If it’s a standard switch, it is easy to blame the button itself when you have a difficulty like this. The controller can be defective due to a manufacturing failure. However, a simple wiring mistake can trigger the breaker to trip just by turning the switch off.

If the ground wire and the hot wires are close enough to each other, toggling the switch can cause a slight movement that contacts them, then BOOM, a ground fault.

There’s also a possibility that the switch is in neutral. Keep an eye on this wiring mistake because you’re turning the power to the neutral and not the hot wire. Reverse wiring is a huge no-no, so try to fix it as soon as possible.

The fourth and simplest possible reason is a loose wire. Just like other devices at home, your switch gets old, and so does your breaker. When an electrical safety device comes to the point where you’ve been using it for ages, its wiring will eventually give up.

Sloppy wiring of an old switch can cause a breaker to trip, even with the slightest movement of switching it off. Like other issues stated earlier, a loose connection triggers a ground fault or a short circuit .

Furthermore, general wear and tear to your breaker and switch wirings result in repetitive breaker tripping. If you think loose or faulty wiring is not a big deal, watch this video by Andrew Pace:

It is necessary to check your terminal screws and wiring insulations from time to time. Sometimes an old wire turns brittle, and its insulations become damaged, so never let this happen to your switch and CB.

Wiring on the brink of destruction won’t only compromise a breaker but also increase the risk of multiple hazards. Always mind your safety.

There are four possible reasons why your circuit breaker trips when the light switch is turned off. Check if you have a switch loop setup, double/single throw switch, or loose wiring connections. These will help you determine a specific matter causing this problem.

If it’s the wiring that causes the problem, proceed on a safety action immediately.

Addressing an electrical problem is vital for the welfare of our homes. Never take safety for granted, and face the trouble as soon as you can.

I am Edwin Jones, in charge of designing content for Galvinpower. I aspire to use my experiences in marketing to create reliable and necessary information to help our readers. It has been fun to work with Andrew and apply his incredible knowledge to our content.

Light Switch Trips Breaker: What To Do?

Don’t you just hate it when a light switch trips the breaker? Aside from being annoying, the underlying issues may cause serious damage. What can you do about it, and how to keep it from happening again? Let’s find out!

What Does a Tripped Breaker Look Like?

Get your hands ready, check for water deposition, don’t touch a breaker switch with high amperage, turn appliances and devices off.

• Shop Related Products

Adjust Your Circuit Breaker

Check your breaker panel, know when to call an expert, avoid overloading one circuit, check and replace old wiring, install your light switch properly.

When you open your electrical panel, there should be multiple breakers on a board.

Each of the breakers in the panel regulates a different electrical circuit in your house and has a switch with numbers printed on it. Typically, each one should be labeled with the name of the area that it controls.

Keep in mind that power cannot flow through the circuit until the switch is manually turned back on after a breaker trips. This causes the switch to flip to the “OFF” position automatically.

For example, if the light switch that caused the trip is located in the kitchen, you can easily locate the breaker switch labeled “Kitchen.”

You’ll probably see the “Kitchen” breaker switch tipped to the “OFF” side or right in the middle between “ON” and “OFF.”

What Are the Safety Precautions to Take?

Before we get down to business, let’s make one thing clear: safety is still our top priority.

You may be in a rush to get your problem fixed, but temporarily losing your power supply is so much better than losing an eye or a finger.

Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

Working on electrical systems with wet hands is extremely dangerous. So, we recommend that you start by drying your hands properly before troubleshooting your light switch.

Then, you can wear protective goggles or use electrical-insulating gloves.

Water won’t always accumulate on the breaker, but it does happen occasionally. That’s why it’s always good to examine your panel carefully. If it seems wet, don’t touch anything.

You might notice a number on the breaker switch that indicates the amps or the measure of electrical current that flows in that circuit.

If the number is 25 or above, it’s better to leave it to the professionals. Meanwhile, if your breakers aren’t labeled at all, it isn’t recommended to attempt to reset them.

Sometimes, simply flipping your light switch can trigger a trip on your circuit breaker.

This is a common issue with newly installed lighting systems. However, circuit breaker trips from flipping a light switch may also be caused by a short circuit due to faulty or damaged wires.

Either way, let’s take a look at how you can approach the tripped breaker.

Start by unplugging all appliances, lamps, and other gadgets in the affected area.

Go to your electrical service panel and check if a particular breaker has tipped to the “OFF” side.

In some cases, the breaker may not tip completely to the “OFF” position and may sit between both sides. When this happens, you can move the switch over to “OFF” first before pushing it back to the “ON” side.

Now, there is a possibility that the switch will automatically tip back to “OFF” after you’ve just switched it to the “ON” side. If that’s the case, don’t try to reset your breaker once more. Instead, seek help from an expert.

After successfully resetting your breaker, flip your light switch to see if the issue is fixed.

If overloading is the culprit, your power will come back after switching your lights on or plugging your devices one at a time.

There may be instances when the light switch doesn’t turn on, but other plugged-in equipment may receive power. If that happens, you can suspect that the problem might have originated from your light switch.

If the previous steps don’t cut it or you’re uncertain about the root cause, it’s best to call your electrician.

Having your breaker trip twice in a row should already sound an alarm, and you shouldn’t try to fix the problem on your own.

The primary concern here is that repeatedly resetting your breaker due to recurrent trips can be risky and may result in overheating.

After all, serious complications and accidents are on the line, including the following hazards:

• Overheating of internal components that may lead to fires
• Visible damages like scorch marks on power outlets, sometimes with the presence of a burning smell and smoke
• Sparks on the breaker
• Odd clicks or buzzing sounds from the outlets or switches

How To Prevent Your Light Switch From Tripping the Breaker?

Since dealing with a light switch that trips the breaker is a hassle, you might want to check out these preventative tips and tricks:

Circuit overload is the main reason behind trips. That’s why it’s better to avoid plugging your bulb into one circuit with a ton of connected appliances.

Remember that using an extension cord to maximize connectivity will only make things worse. If you badly need to use multiple devices, try plugging your other devices into a different circuit connection or getting a new circuit installed.

Be sure to unplug devices or appliances that aren’t in use.

If your electrical wires have been sitting there for many decades and you start to experience frequent trips, they’re probably worn out.

You might even notice that rodents have damaged your wiring. So, it’s good to have your old wires replaced by an electrician.

We’d recommend double-checking that you’re using compatible fixtures before installing new lights or replacing any part of the lighting setup.

Then your electrician can check that all screws are all tight and wirings are connected properly to reduce the risk of tripping.

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Why Is My Circuit Breaker Tripping? 4 Potential Problems and Solutions

By Glenda Taylor , Bob Vila , Evelyn Auer

Updated on Dec 15, 2023 4:16 AM EST

7 minute read

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›

What You Need to Know

• A tripping circuit breaker could be a sign of an overloaded circuit, a short circuit, a ground fault, or a worn-out breaker.
• Homeowners will want to hire an electrician to determine the cause of the frequently tripping circuit breaker.
• Electricians may recommend replacing the circuit breaker, installing GFCI outlets, or rewiring part or all of the home.

Q: Every few hours—sometimes minutes!—my living room and one side of my kitchen lose electrical power. I’ll check the breaker panel and, sure enough, a circuit breaker has tripped…again. Should I call an electrician, or is there a simple DIY fix I can try first?

A: While it’s frustrating when a circuit breaker keeps tripping, they are important safety mechanisms. Designed to shut off the electrical current when something goes wrong, circuit breakers are one of the best ways of protecting a home from an electrical fire. “When a circuit breaker trips, typically it is because we use too much electricity, which causes it to overload and turn off,” says Christopher Haas, expert electrician and owner of Haas & Sons Electric in Millersville, Maryland. For those who need an electrical panels 101 refresher course or aren’t sure how to reset circuit breakers, each breaker has an on/off switch and controls a separate electrical circuit in the home. When a breaker trips, its switch automatically flips “off,” and it must be manually turned back on to restore electricity to the circuit. For those wondering, “Is it dangerous if a circuit breaker keeps tripping?” the answer is that it can be, depending on the source of the problem. An electrician can ultimately deal with the root issue, but a little sleuthing will reveal whether it’s something that’s easily remedied.

In many cases, the cause of a circuit breaking tripping is an overloaded circuit.

A circuit overloads when more electrical current is being drawn through the wires than they can handle, tripping the circuit breaker. If this happens, there may be a few additional signs:

• Buzzing noises coming from outlets
• Devices charging slowly
• Electrical outlets not working
• Flickering lights
• Scorch marks on outlets and light switches

If a circuit breaker keeps tripping in one room, homeowners can test for circuit overload by turning off all the switches in the affected area and unplugging all appliances and devices. After the breaker is flipped back on, the devices can be turned back on one at a time, with homeowners waiting a few minutes in between to see if the circuit remains on. If the breaker trips before all the appliances are turned on, the experiment can be repeated, this time turning them on in a different order. It may be necessary to do this several times to find out how many appliances can be operated at once before the circuit overloads.

“As a short-term solution, you can unplug unnecessary appliances to prevent tripping circuit breakers. You may still get some trips, but you can limit them by unplugging devices that you don’t need to use,” advises Dan Mock, vice president of operations at Mister Sparky , an electrical company with 90 locations in the U.S. The best long-term solution, however, is to pay an electrician for the cost to rewire the house and add additional circuits. The cost to replace an electrical panel is about $1,274 on average.

Other times, the issue may be caused by a short circuit.

A “short” circuit means that two wires that should not be coming into contact are inadvertently touching, triggering a sudden surge of electricity through the wires. A short can occur in an outlet, a switch, or within an appliance if wires are loose or have been chewed through by mice or pets. Some signs of a short circuit include:

• Popping sounds
• Discolored outlets or switches
• Burning smells

Testing to see if an appliance has a short is similar to testing for an overloaded circuit. When an appliance that has a short in its wiring is turned on, it will immediately trip the circuit. Homeowners can also try plugging it into an outlet in a different room. If the breaker for that room trips, there’s a short in the appliance (if it’s unclear what breaker goes to what room, the breaker can be identified with one of the best circuit breaker finders ). Electrical shorts can be a major fire hazard, so it’s a good idea to call a licensed electrician for this circuit breaker repair. It’s wise to stop using the outlet or appliance until a pro takes care of the problem.

Another potential cause of a circuit breaker tripping is a ground fault.

A ground fault occurs when the electricity running through a home’s wiring diverts from the wiring loop and travels to the ground, usually due to faulty wiring or water infiltration in an outlet or switch box. Water is a conductor, which is why walking through puddles is often listed as something not to do in a power outage in case of downed power lines. Once water makes contact with wires, electricity can jump from the wiring loop and follow the water trail. This creates a surge in electricity leading to a tripped circuit breaker. If a person comes in contact with the electricity that is on its way to the ground, this can result in electrocution. Homeowners may notice a few signs of a ground fault, including:

• Tripped GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets;
• A burning smell coming from an outlet; and
• Lights flickering.

Newer electrical breakers have features designed to protect against the danger of ground faults. According to Haas, “Ground fault breakers sense electricity going to earth as opposed to going through the wires of the circuit. You’ll find [these] for bathrooms, kitchens, garages, exteriors, and basements.” GFCI outlets are another safety feature that shut off the electric current within a fraction of a second of sensing a ground fault.

If a ground fault is the problem, the cause of the errant water must be discovered and repaired, and any damaged wiring must also be replaced. It’s also a good idea to install GFCI outlets in rooms where water is commonly used. A GFCI outlet costs $210 on average.

Sometimes a bad or worn-out circuit breaker can be the culprit.

In some cases, the circuit breaker itself may be faulty. Breakers that are old, damaged, or were installed incorrectly may trip frequently for no apparent reason. Alternatively, faulty breakers may not trip when they are supposed to, leaving the home at risk of electrical fire. Some signs of a bad circuit breaker include:

• The circuit breaker getting hot and tripping frequently;
• The circuit breaker won’t reset;
• It has been over 10 years since the breaker was last serviced; and
• The breaker has scorch marks.

An important electrical safety tip to keep in mind is that resetting a breaker over and over again can cause what is called an arc flash, which is a small electrical explosion that can be deadly. If resetting the breaker once does not remedy the issue, it’s a good idea for the homeowner to hire an electrician near them who knows how to replace a circuit breaker safely. Mock warns, “Don’t take any chances with circuit breakers. Instead, call a licensed electrician who knows the safe ways to replace breaker boxes, upgrade circuits, and diagnose potential electrical problems in your home.” Wiring a breaker box is a job to leave to an experienced electrician.

A professional electrician can help determine the specific cause of a frequently tripping circuit breaker.

Most circuit breaker problems—aside from those explained in the sections above—will need to be inspected and addressed by a licensed electrician. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) , each year “thousands of people in the United States are critically injured and electrocuted as a result of electrical fires, accidents, [or] electrocution in their own homes.” While homeowners may be tempted to save on electrician costs by attempting circuit breaker replacement or repair themselves, electrical work is not suitable for casual DIYers. “Yes, you have to pay, but you can save many hours of head-scratching by hiring an electrician. Electricians will also have all the right tools for diagnosing and repairing the circuit,” Haas adds. “Lastly, they will come with a warranty/guarantee should something arise, and they will typically return at no additional cost.”

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Does Your Circuit Breaker Keep Tripping? Here’s How to Find the Cause

Last Updated: May 6, 2023 Fact Checked

Common Causes of Tripped Circuits

Finding overloaded circuits, finding short circuits, finding ground faults.

This article was co-authored by Jesse Kuhlman and by wikiHow staff writer, Johnathan Fuentes . Jesse Kuhlman is a Master Electrician and the Owner of Kuhlman Electric based in Massachusetts. Jesse specializes in all aspects of home and residential wiring, troubleshooting, generator installation, and WiFi thermostats. Jesse is also the author of four eBooks on home wiring including "Residential Electrical Troubleshooting" which covers basic electrical troubleshooting in residential homes. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 24,046 times.

Picture this: you’re watching TV or browsing on your phone when, suddenly, half the lights in your home turn off. You check your circuit breaker and flip one of the switches back to “ON,” but an hour later it trips again…and again. Sound familiar? Having your circuit breaker trip over and over can be frustrating, but don’t sweat. In this article, we’ll explain the most common causes of a tripped circuit breaker. Keep reading to learn which causes might apply to your situation, when to try do-it-yourself fixes, and when it’s best to call an electrician.

Things You Should Know

• The most common causes of tripped circuit breakers are overloaded circuits, short circuits, and ground faults.
• Test for overloaded circuits by resetting your breaker and plugging in devices until it trips again. The device that caused the trip is overloading the circuit.
• Test for short circuits by resetting your breaker and plugging in items into different sockets. The device or socket that always trips the breaker likely has a short circuit.
• Have an electrician test for ground faults if you’ve already ruled out overloaded and short circuits. Ground faults are too dangerous to test for on your own.

• For example, if your bathroom and kitchen are part of the same circuit—that is, the plugs in your kitchen and bathroom are all connected to the same switch on your circuit breaker—then the breaker might trip if you run your microwave and hair dryer at the same time.

• Short circuits often happen when wires come loose or get damaged by corrosion or wear and tear, or even from an animal chewing through them. [3] X Research source
• Short circuits can occur in the wiring in your home or in individual devices. For instance, a refrigerator can have a short circuit due to a loose wire.

• Ground faults often happen due to water leaking into outlets or devices. They also occur when loose or corroded wires come into contact with ground wires, or when defective devices cause electricity to flow to a ground wire.

• If you have multiple devices sharing a single outlet in the area affected by the tripped breaker, it’s likely that that group of devices is causing the overload. [6] X Research source

• Wear safety goggles or stand to the side of a breaker when flipping a switch to “ON” in case of sparks.
• If the switches aren’t labeled, narrow down the affected area by flipping the switch to “ON” and checking which devices and lights turn on again.
• If multiple switches tripped at the same time, there might be an overloaded circuit in more than one area of your home, or you may have another issue such as a short circuit or ground fault.

• If none of the devices immediately trip the circuit breaker, it’s possible that your circuit isn’t getting overloaded right away. Leave the devices plugged in and turned on for a few minutes to see if the breaker trips again.
• If the breaker trips after several minutes, try the process again, but leave 1-2 less important devices unplugged. Eventually, you’ll find a combination of devices that doesn’t trip the circuit breaker.

• Leave your devices plugged in and on for a few hours. If the circuits are not overloaded, the circuit breaker shouldn’t trip.
• If the circuit breaker trips for the same part of your home again, plug additional devices into other outlets. You may need to try different combinations of plugs and outlets to see which combination doesn’t overload your circuits.
• If you try several combinations and the breaker continues to trip, it’s possible that you have a short circuit or ground fault somewhere in your home.

• If devices are plugged into surge protectors, unplug each device from the surge protector before unplugging the surge protector itself.

• If the circuit breaker trips whenever you plug something into a particular outlet, you probably have a short circuit in that outlet.
• If one particular device always trips the breaker, but other devices don’t, you probably have a short circuit in that particular device.

• If the device you want to test is too large to move—such as a kitchen refrigerator or washing machine—use a long extension cord to reach other outlets.

• If you find a short circuit in an individual device, check if your product is covered by a warranty. If it is covered, you might be able to get it fixed or replaced for free. [14] X Trustworthy Source Federal Trade Commission Website with up-to-date information for consumers from the Federal Trade Commisson Go to source

• Tell your electrician which outlet or area of your home is affected by the tripped circuit breaker. This will help them narrow down the exact problem.
• Avoid using sockets that appear water-logged or that show signs of water damage.

Expert Q&A

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://nps.edu/documents/111291366/111353794/SafetyGram_Circuit_Breaker_Panels.pdf/eab72177-f7b7-4f6f-b7bc-f7efde96df4f?t=1423776819000
• ↑ https://engineering.mit.edu/engage/ask-an-engineer/what-is-a-short-circuit/
• ↑ https://www.coynecollege.edu/how-to-deal-unsafe-electrical-wiring/
• ↑ https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/2018-12/fy07_sh-16586-07_4_electrical_safety_participant_guide.pdf
• ↑ https://ask-the-electrician.com/how-to-fix-a-overloaded-circuit-breaker-problem/electrical-wiring-2/
• ↑ http://thecircuitdetective.com/treeshort.php
• ↑ https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/warranties
• ↑ https://tools.niehs.nih.gov/wetp/public/Course_download2.cfm?tranid=2495

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How to Fix a Tripped Circuit Breaker That Won’t Reset

• July 5, 2024
• Electrical Tips

Have you ever had a circuit breaker trip and found that it won’t reset? It’s a common problem, and one that can be frustrating when you’re not sure what to do.

The most common reasons for a circuit breakers that won’t reset are:

• Damaged breakers
• Electrical shorts
• Loose wiring
• Damaged insulation

As the top reviewed residential and commercial electrician in our area , we’ll walk you through how to check for each of these common reasons, and discuss how to fix them.

Why circuit breakers trip

A circuit breaker is a safety device in your home designed to stop the flow of electricity if there’s an overload, which can help prevent fires. When the current flowing through the circuit breaker becomes too much for it to handle, it “trips” and shuts off the power to prevent a fire from starting.

Most of the time, resetting a tripped circuit breaker is a simple matter of flipping the switch back to the “on” position. However, sometimes the breaker won’t reset no matter how many times you flip it.

First, try to reset the tripped circuit breaker

First, we should perform a basic test to make sure the breaker is actually malfunctioning. If you haven’t already tried manually resetting the circuit breaker, this is the place to start.

Locate your circuit breaker box and open the cover. Once you’ve located the tripped breaker, flip it to the “Off” position. Then, flip it back to the “On” position. You should hear a click as the breaker resets. If the breaker trips again, or simply won’t reset, there may be a problem with your wiring.

How to fix a tripping circuit breaker

Check to see if the circuit breaker is damaged.

If the circuit breaker trips and won’t reset, the first thing you should do is check to see if the switch is damaged. Circuit breakers are designed to trip when they become overloaded, which means they’re also designed to be flipped back on when the overload is resolved. However, if the switch itself is damaged or the electrical panel is outdated , it may not reset properly.

To check for damage, first make sure that there’s no power going to the breaker box by flipping all the switches to the “off” position. Then open up the panel and visually inspect the faulty breaker for any signs of burned or blackened areas. If you see any charring or burning around the switch, it’s likely time to replace it.

In some cases, you may be able to reset a damaged breaker by gently bending the switch back into place. However, this is only a temporary fix and the breaker will eventually need to be replaced.

We recommend that if you see any damage, it’s best to replace the entire circuit breaker rather than just the switch.

Check to see if there’s an electrical short

Another reason why your circuit breaker won’t reset after tripping is because there’s an electrical short somewhere in your home. An electrical short occurs when there’s too much current flowing through a wire, causing it to overheat and potentially start a fire.

To figure out if there’s an electrical short, the first thing you should do is turn off all of the switches in your breaker box. Once everything is off, go around your home and look for any signs of an electrical fire, such as burning smells or smoke. If you see or smell anything suspicious, call a licensed electrician right away.

If you don’t see any signs of a fire, the next step is to identify which circuit is causing the problem. Start by flipping on one switch at a time and seeing if the breaker trips. If it does, leave that switch off and move on to the next one. Repeat this process until you’ve found the problem circuit.

Once you’ve identified the problem circuit, the next step is to figure out where the electrical short is located. The easiest way to do this is to start at the breaker box and work your way down the circuit until you find the problem.

If you’ve followed these steps and you believe there may be an electrical short, it’s important to call an electrician right away. They’ll be able to locate the source of the problem and fix it before it causes any further damage.

Check for loose wiring

Another common reason for a circuit breaker to trip is because of loose wiring. Over time, wires can loosen and become frayed, which can cause them to short circuit.

The best way to check for loose wiring is to listen to your devices and appliances for the sound of buzzing or crackling. One common culprit is buzzing light switches or outlets. If you don’t find a faulty appliance, note that this can also be true around the breaker.

If you hear these noises and suspect that your circuit breaker is tripping because of loose wiring, the best thing to do is call an electrician as soon as possible. Trying to fix the problem yourself could result in injury or even death.

An electrician will be able to quickly diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs. In most cases, they’ll also be able to prevent the problem from happening again in the future.

Look for signs of corrosion

Another common reason for a circuit breaker to trip is corrosion. This is especially true if you notice any moisture or wetness in the electrical panel . Corrosion can cause the metal parts of the breaker to break down, which in turn can cause a short circuit.

Corrosion usually appears in the form of a white, chalky substance building up around screw terminals. Look for signs of corrosion, rust, or moisture around the circuit breaker.

If you suspect that corrosion is the culprit, call an electrician to have a look at the problem. Trying to clean or repair the corrosion yourself could result in serious injury.

Check for damaged insulation

Sometimes circuit breakers will have insulation around them to stop cold air from entering through the box itself. Damaged insulation is another common cause of tripped circuit breakers. If you have insulation around the box, inspect it to see if it looks damaged.

If the insulation around your electrical wiring is damaged, it could cause a short circuit. Once again, if you suspect that this is the problem, call an electrician rather than trying to repair the problem yourself.

Is it dangerous if a circuit breaker keeps tripping?

We are often asked if tripping circuit breakers are dangerous. If your circuit breaker keeps tripping, it could be a sign of an electrical problem in your home, up to and including serious fire risks. While it’s not necessarily dangerous if your circuit breaker trips occasionally, if it happens frequently, it should be fixed right away.

If your circuit breaker trips and won’t reset, don’t panic! Many times the problem is something minor that you can easily fix yourself. However, if you’re unsure of what to do or think the problem may be something more serious, always err on the side of caution and call an electrician . Trying to fix the problem yourself could result in serious injury or even death.

Resetting a tripped circuit breaker is a relatively simple process that most people can do on their own. However, if the breaker trips repeatedly or if you have any questions about your electrical system, it’s always best to contact a professional electrician for assistance.

If you have any questions about resetting your circuit breaker or if you need assistance from a professional, don’t hesitate to contact us . We’re here to help!

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Why Your Circuit Breaker Trips: The Causes and Solutions

A circuit breaker that often trips can be irritating. Making frequent sprees to check on your tripped circuit breaker in the cover of darkness without discovering the cause can be more frustrating. Dealing with lights that keep going on and off should be a matter of concern; you need to know the exact cause of the trips and find the ultimate solution.

How Does a Circuit Breaker Function?

A circuit breaker is an essential part of an electrical system. It plays an integral role in averting electrical fires in your home or office building. The device is in your home’s fuse panel and acts as a switch. 

A circuit breaker controls and protects electrical circuits. When there is an overload on the electric system, the breaker cuts off the power flow to avert grave fire incidents. This protects all your electrical devices connected to it. It’s, therefore, important as a homeowner to know the potential causes of a tripping circuit breaker to help you find a lasting solution. 

What Causes Your Circuit Breaker to Trip?

There are several underlying potential reasons why you have frequent circuit breaker trips.

1. A Circuit Overload

A circuit overload is among the leading causes of frequent circuit breaker trips. A breaker is designed to hold a certain amount of electric current. If the electric load overwhelms the circuit breaker’s maximum capacity, the breaker will automatically trip and cut off the power supply. 

One of the many reasons that can cause an overload is connecting various electrical devices with high power voltage. This will lead to overheating, causing your breaker to trip and prevent a potential fire breakout. 

2. Short Circuit Challenges

Short circuits are another underlying cause of frequent trips. A short circuit happens when live and neutral wires come into contact. The high current flow causes the circuit to overheat, resulting in a short circuit and black-out. A burning smell from your electric gadget is a sign of a short circuit, and you should take prompt action. 

3. Ground Faults

A ground fault is an incident when an electrical current unintentionally comes into contact with the earth. This can happen when the live wires carrying electric flow are exposed due to worn-out insulation, wiring issues, or water leakage into the electrical system. 

4. Defective and Aging Electrical Wiring

A home with defective wiring can cause your circuit breaker to trip. When the wires become loose, they can be exposed to external factors such as water, which will make the circuit trip. Incorrect wiring is also a safety hazard and can also result in trips.  

Rodents’ invasion into your attic can cause severe damage by eating your home’s wiring insulation. This will eventually expose the electric wires and result in electrical faults. 

Besides, aging and worn-out wires are potential causes of circuit breaker trips. The wires may affect the breaker’s performance, resulting in overheating, causing the breaker to cut off the flow of electric currents.

5. Thunderstorms and Lightning

It’s possible to experience frequent circuit breaker trips during the rainy season. Thunderstorms and lightning strikes can adversely impact your home’s electric system. The currents from lightning may cause an electric surge, leading to fluctuations in electric voltage. This will eventually cause your breaker to trip for the safety of your appliances and house wiring. 

Also, rainwater from frequent storms can find its way into electric switches and wiring, especially on outdoor electric fittings, causing regular trips. 

6. An Aged or Damaged Circuit Breaker

Like any other appliance, your circuit breaker can wear out and become outdated. An aged circuit breaker will malfunction, cutting off the power supply to your home and appliances. Besides, it may also fail to detect a power surge or overheating and will not switch off the power. 

Solutions to Prevent the Circuit Breaker From Tripping

As a homeowner, you can avoid frequent breaker trips by following the steps.

1. Remove All the Power-Draining Electric Devices From the Sockets

You need to identify the appliances in your house that consume high energy and unplug them when you’re not using them. In addition, if several people in your home or office use power-draining gadgets, ensure they are connected to different circuits. This will help to avoid overloading a single circuit. You can also find an alternative by having a professional electrician add an additional circuit.

2. Buy Energy-Saving Gadgets and Bulbs

Energy-saving appliances and bulbs can reduce the power voltage connected to the circuit. This will make the circuit work efficiently within its voltage-holding capacity. Also, buying energy savers will reduce your electrical costs and consumption.

3. Do an Overhaul of Your Old Home’s Wiring

Some old houses don’t have the suitable circuits to handle power in present-day electric appliances. This may result in frequent trips when you connect these devices. 

It would be best to consider fresh wiring or buying a new circuit breaker to avoid frequent trips. Contact an electrical expert to assess your electrical needs and schedule an appointment for new wiring.

4. Look Out for Appliances With Short Circuit Issues

Short circuits can be disastrous, and you should handle them with caution. First, you need to locate the device causing the short circuit. Then, switch off the socket and unplug the appliance. For more tests and recommendations, contact an electrical expert at Lightfoot Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical to prevent losses to your devices and home.

5. Install Power Surge Protectors

If you live in an environment that receives occasional rains accompanied by thunderstorms and lighting, you should install power surge protectors. This will alleviate increased power voltage from your devices and keep off dangerous power surges that can damage your circuit system.  

6. Ask for Electrical Emergency Help

Ground vaults are dangerous and cause severe harm, including death. If you suspect a ground vault, switch off the power from the main switch. Never try to repair a ground vault alone; contact electrical experts immediately for further advice and repairs. 

7. Replace Your Aging and Worn-Out Breaker

Inspect your circuit breaker, especially when there is a burnt smell at the main switch. If there are signs of aging or breakage due to wear and tear, call an electrical professional for necessary assistance.   

Schedule an Appointment With Electric Experts

A circuit breaker that frequently trips is a red flag. Besides, electrical problems are not a do-it-yourself task. For the above breaker-tripping problems, you need the help of a professional electrical company. At Lightfoot Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical, our client’s home needs come first. Since 1983, we have served clients in Weatherford and the surrounding North Texas region. 

We provide emergency services; you can reach out anytime for quick and timely assistance. You can turn to us as your preferred go-to partners for all your electrical needs and experience our customized services. Besides our electrical services, we also provide high-quality air conditioning, heating, plumbing, and generator services. Do not hesitate to contact Lightfoot Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical to schedule an appointment today for all your family’s comfort and safety needs!

Meet the Author

With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Gary Lightfoot took over his family business and continues to run it with the values and standards set 35 years ago

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Lights Flicker Off and On But Circuit Breaker Doesn't Trip?

When the lights go out at home, we have quick ways of checking out the problem. Generally speaking, it can be as simple as one of three things: checking the bulb, ensuring that the switch is in the proper position, and taking a look at the circuit breaker .

When lights are flickering on and off but the circuit breaker isn’t tripping, this means that the voltage running through your house isn’t up to par. Check the breaker and the wiring. If the wiring looks loose, or the breaker is malfunctioning, you will need to call in a professional to fix the problem.

This guide will walk you through what to do in that instance and any other potential causes for the outlined problem.

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Here’s What Do When the Lights are Flickering

First thing’s first.

The first thing that you should do when lights begin to flicker or dim is to turn off the power to those electrical components. This can be as simple as flicking the switches off, but you can even go as far as to flip off the breaker , too. While you’re at it, you can check to see if the breaker has been tripped.

Electrical injury, shock, and risk of fire are all very real, very serious hazards to be aware of. Taking improper precautions can lead to damage to your home or injury to yourself or others. Take the proper safety precautions and kill the power before moving forward.

Lights are Flickering, but the Circuit Breaker hasn’t been Tripped

When the lights are flickering on and off, the first thing to do is to check the breaker . Unfortunately, there are times where the lights will flicker on and off, but the breaker will not be tripped. When this is the case, there are things to look out for.

The first thing to do is to change out the light, especially if they are LED. LED fluorescent bulbs are quite a bit more likely to flicker when first installed but may keep doing so afterward. It could also be that the bulb is loose in the outlet or the switch is fault. These are two issues that you can fix on your own.

There is another issue that is not recommended for amateurs. If the lights are flickering, particularly after turning on a large appliance, it could be that the voltage in your house is not up to the required standard. If this is the case, call a professional immediately. Loose wiring in particular is the third-leading cause of house fires and being reckless puts the home at risk for fire.

Lights are Out, But the Circuit isn’t Tripped

When the lights – either some or all – have gone out in your home and you notice that the circuit breaker hasn’t been tripped, it is time to start looking for other culprits. The most common is the ground fault circuit interrupter or GFCI.

Whenever there are electrical imbalances in the home, the GFCI outlet will trip quickly to protect from possible electrocutions. A good way to check this is if you hit the “test” button and it doesn’t click. When this happens, the GFCI has been tripped. You can simply press “resent” until it clicks, restoring power back to that specific outlet as well as any outlets that may be downstream of the impacted outlet.

Loose Outlets, Wiring

Depending on the age of the home, the screws and wiring start to come loose . When this is the case, an outlet can go out and ultimately impact several other outlets throughout the rest of the house. After checking the aforementioned culprits, check to make sure that outlet screws are tight.

If the problem persists even after tightening the outlet screws, there is a chance that the wiring is loose. When this is the case, unless you have experience with electrical work, it is imperative to call a professional electrician to check out the problem. Electricity is a serious business and is not to be toyed with by the inexperienced or uneducated.

Whole Building or Just Specific Areas?

The biggest indicator of a problem may be whether or not the lights are flickering or losing power in one part of your home or all throughout . If the issue is throughout the entirety of the home, the most logical culprit is probably somewhere in the electrical panel.

Unless you have experience with this, let the electrician handle the problem. They will not only check the panel and the main breaker, but they will check any service entry wiring, including the service natural wire and the two hot wires. Again, let a professional handle this because electricity is nothing to trifle with.

Limited to Your Home?

Another way to assess any potential issues is to take a look around the neighborhood. See if neighbors are experiencing the same dimming and flickering of lights as well. If they aren’t, the problem is isolated to your house and will require further investigation.

If the neighbors are experiencing the same problems, however, then it is likely due to a problem in the electrical supply network or even at the local electrical wiring or power transformer. When this happens, report the problem to your electric company (someone will probably beat you to the punch). The electric company will then come out to assess the issue and make the repair.

If the Problem is Specific to an Appliance

There is a chance that you may notice a specific appliance flickering on and off, a light dimming, and so on . If this is the case, the most likely explanation is that there is an issue with the appliance itself. It could be something like a motor or switch that is the culprit.

Check the breaker first and foremost; if it hasn’t been tripped, try resetting it and checking the problem again. If the problem persists, then there is likely a problem with one of the internal components of the appliance. The goal is to isolate potential issues to as specific an area as possible. This will help eliminate any false culprits.

How to Tell if the Breaker is Bad

Circuit breakers are meant to protect you from electrical short circuits and overloads that can lead to personal injury and fire. There is a chance that the breaker may be bad, but first, we need to identify the problem before assuming such.

The first step is to go to the breaker and look for the label of the breaker that might be tripping or a specific sheet on the door of the panel that outlines which breaker belongs to which room or outlet. This will give you a much better understanding of what’s being protected by the breaker.

The goal here is to rule out an overloaded circuit . Make sure that you unplug everything that is on that particular circuit. An overload could damage those items and the last thing that you need is to have to replace everything.

When everything is unplugged, flip the breaker. When the breaker is working fine, a click will be definite and audible. If you don’t hear the breaker trip right away, there’s a good chance that the circuit is overloaded. If the breaker trips right away, there is either a bad breaker or a short circuit somewhere down the line. At least then you have a clearer idea of where the culprit is.

Related Guide

• Can A Circuit Breaker Fail Without Tripping? (Find Out Now!)
• How To Increase Circuit Breaker Amps (Find Out Now!)
• Can Lights And Outlets Be On The Same Circuit? (Find Out Now!)

Ryan Womeldorf has more than a decade of experience writing. He loves to blog about construction, plumbing, and other home topics. Ryan also loves hockey and a lifelong Buffalo sports fan.

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Circuit Breaker Tripping: Troubleshooting Guide

Hubert Miles | Licensed Home Inspector, CMI, CPI

Updated on January 5, 2024

A circuit breaker tripping results from short circuits, overloaded circuits, and ground faults. In each case, an unintended excessive flow of current triggers the trip. You must reset the circuit breaker by flipping it back on to restore power.

Circuit breakers trip because they cannot handle the amount of current running through them. Tripping the circuit breaker interrupts the flow of electricity and protects your devices or appliances from damage.

Get FREE estimates from licensed electricians in your area today. Whether you need to replace an outlet, hang a ceiling fan, a new electrical panel, or repair wiring, We Can Help!

Without electrical circuit breakers , the possibility of electrical fires would be much higher.  

This guide looks at what causes circuit breakers to trip, what you can do, and how to identify a bad breaker.

What Would Cause a Circuit Breaker to Trip

There are three leading causes of circuit breaker trips:

• circuit overload
• electrical faults (i.e., ground faults and arc faults)
• short circuits

Below are factors that can cause circuit breaker trips. 

Circuit Overload

A circuit overload happens when the flow of electric current running through the circuit exceeds the amperage of the devices it serves. 

For example, if your microwave is a 12.5 amp appliance, you can run it on a 15 amp circuit. That means your microwave is safe as long as the amperage running through the circuit is 15 amps .

However, if the circuit receives an excessive electrical load over 15 amps , it will automatically trip to protect your device from damage. If the circuit doesn’t trip, the excess current will fry the circuit in your microwave. 

Also, if you operate too many appliances and devices on one circuit, its internal mechanism heats up, causing the breaker to trip. 

Circuit overload is the most common reason for breakers tripping. 

Ground Faults

A ground fault occurs when the active wire comes into contact with a ground wire made of bare copper. Sometimes, this fault may happen when the hot wire touches the metal box connected to the ground wire.

Excessive current flows once the active wire touches the ground wire, flowing into the earth. If you step on the affected area, ground faults can cause shock and even electrocution. The uncontrolled flow of electricity will cause the circuit breaker to trip.

Arc Faults 

An arc fault happens when exposed faulty wiring touches, causing the electric current to arc at the meeting point. As a result, sparks occur, which can ignite an electric fire.

A corroded or loose connection is the main culprit for arc faults. Circuit overloads, ground faults, or short circuits trip an AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) circuit breaker.

Arc faults result from damaged, loose, or corroded terminals and wires. The arc fault builds up over time as the heat due to the cable damage and terminals build up to the point of ignition.

Short Circuits

A short circuit occurs when an active wire touches a neutral wire, and the electrical current takes an unintended path of least resistance. 

The common cause of short circuits is frayed wires coming into contact when the wires touch. The electrical current flow increases significantly, causing the circuit breaker to trip to stop the electricity from damaging appliances.

It is a short circuit because the current bypasses the proper circuit wiring channels and flows through a shorter, unplanned pathway.

Short circuits occur 

• When insulation melts and wires are exposed
• Within appliances with damaged internal wiring
• Due to damaged and frayed extension or appliance cords

How do You Fix a Breaker that Keeps Tripping?

A dedicated circuit breaker tripping indicates too much current flowing through the wiring or connection to the outlet.

Here is a step-by-step guide to follow when you notice the first trip:

• Begin by turning off all the appliances and unplug electrical devices from the outlet. Also, switch off light fixtures and unplug those that you can. This prevents any appliances from damaged when the breaker is reset and a sudden surge of power comes through.
• Open the circuit panel or box and locate the on and off buttons of the circuit breaker. You may notice an orange or red color on the breaker when it is off. 
• Flip the switch from off to on to reset the circuit breaker. Once the breaker is reset, you can switch and test the appliances to see if the electrical power is flowing.
• Keep safe as you reset the breaker by working from the side of the electrical box instead of the front. That way, you will avoid any sparks (should there be any) when you switch the breaker back on.
• Some people prefer to switch the main electrical switch when working on the circuit breaker for added safety. 

Types of Circuit Breakers

Standard circuit breaker.

Standard circuit breakers monitor the modulation of the electric current coming into your devices and appliances. 

This circuit breaker stops the current from flowing when it detects the excessive flow of electricity. 

Standard circuit breakers come in two forms:

• Single-pole circuit breakers
• Double pole circuit breakers

Single-Pole Circuit Breakers

Single-pole circuit breakers are the most common breakers in homes and buildings. They monitor the electric current’s flow in one wire and trip if that wire experiences a very high influx of electricity.

These breakers deliver only 120 volts and work well for 15 to 30 amp circuits. Single-pole circuit breakers come with one switch in the back. 

Double-Pole Circuit Breakers

The double-pole circuit breakers monitor the current in two wires simultaneously. You will notice two switches on the back of these breakers.

The double-pole circuit breakers will trip even if only one of the wires receives too much current. They can accommodate between 15 to 200 amps while delivering 240 volts. 

Single-pole breakers are a good fit for lighting fixtures and other standard home outlets. On the other hand, double-pole breakers work for larger appliances like dryers and washing machines. 

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)

The GFCI circuit breaker interrupts the line due to ground faults. They trip when the current starts to follow an uncharted path into the ground. These ground fault surges occur when a foreign conductor, like water, comes in contact with a receptacle .

At the same time, they offer protection against circuit overloads and short circuits. 

GFCI circuit breakers come built into specialized outlets required for wet areas in the home, including :

• Outdoor areas like the balcony, patio, porches, and decks
• Laundry rooms
• Swimming pools
• Six feet from a sink
• Six feet from the bathroom

These breakers help prevent shock or electrocution should the electrical outlet contact water. 

Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) 

The AFCI circuit breaker detects normal and abnormal arc faults, so it will trip when it detects a dangerous arc fault that can cause a fire. 

The AFCI circuit breaker doesn’t work to protect devices and appliances plugged into an outlet. It works to prevent electrical fires due to faulty connections and wiring. The internal sensing mechanism in the circuit breaker senses the conditions of an electric arc, and the circuit trips to avoid an electric fire.

AFCI protection can also be built into an outlet. The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires these types of breakers to feature in :

• Common rooms
• Laundry areas

AFCI and GFCI circuit breakers can co-exist and complement each other for the best protection.

Combination All Fault Circuit Interrupter (CAFCI)

The CAFCI breaker senses and reacts to any electrical fault, including ground and arc faults.

CAFCI is a relatively new technology that meets new NEC requirements for circuits requiring arc and ground fault protection.

Do Circuit Breakers Get Weak?

A circuit breaker can wear out and become weak. If a breaker trips frequently, the thermal or magnetic element can lose calibration, causing it to trip at lower amp loads than intended. A breaker constantly under thermal stress caused by overloading the circuit will eventually trip more frequently.

Let’s not forget breakers are not impervious to damage. As the internal mechanical parts wear out, they become very sensitive and may not hold under normal load amperage and temperatures.

Electricians refer to this as a bad breaker .

Will a Bad Breaker Keep Tripping

By definition, bad breaker malfunctions, so it will keep tripping until it is either replaced or rectified .

A licensed electrician performs this simple test to see if a breaker will keep tripping and determine if it can be repaired or replaced in the following steps.

• The electrician will switch off all the fixtures and appliances in the house. Also, unplug everything.
• Find the malfunctioning circuit breaker . The electrician will go to the electrical box and locate the breaker lighting orange or red or the one with the switch off.
• They will ascertain that it is the correct circuit breaker. After that, the electrician puts the breaker off.
• With the switch on, the breaker is back on as well. The electrician will plug the appliances into the outlet with the problem circuit breaker. Now, they will turn the devices and appliances on. 

If the breaker trips, the electrician will investigate the circuit’s current amount. The breaker is bad if the current is according to the appliance’s rating.

How You know if a Circuit Breaker is Bad

Breakers do wear out after a while. It has a problem if the breaker doesn’t stay on after resetting it.

Since the circuit breaker controls the electric flow in the house, it is essential to monitor it and catch signs that it has gone bad early.

Here are key signs that denote a bad circuit breaker :

It Frequently Trips

Frequent tripping could be because of a bad breaker. After tripping and resetting, your circuit breaker should stay on unless it detects high current flow. 

To ensure that the issue is not the electricity but the circuit breaker, call an electrician to examine your electricity’s flow and determine whether it is the cause of the constant tripping.

If it is not, then the circuit breaker is the problem. 

The Breaker Overheats

Electrical systems will heat up when active. Typically a breaker can heat to about 60°C (140°F) before problems arise.

Terminations for standard rated breakers: UL 489 Paragraph 7.1.4.2.2 says the temperature rise on a wiring terminal at a point to which the insulation of a wire is brought up as in actual service shall not exceed 50°C (122°F). Terminations for 100% rated breakers: UL489 Paragraph 7.1.4.3.3 says the temperature rise on the termination shall not exceed 60°C (140°F). Handles, knobs, and other user surfaces: UL489 Paragraph 7.1.4.1.6 says the maximum temperature on handles, knobs, and other surfaces subject to user contact during normal operation shall not exceed 60°C (140°F) on metallic and 85°C (185°F) on nonmetallic surfaces. Source: https://www.clipsal.com/faq/fa173839

Call an electrician immediately if the breaker becomes too hot.

There are Scorch Marks

Scorch marks around receptacles, appliances, and the electrical box should tell you your circuit breaker has gone bad.

The burn marks indicate that wiring insulation has melted off and the circuit wires are now sparking and emanating heat or fire. That means that the circuit breaker did not interrupt the excess current and reached the wires and burned them. 

You may see melted wire sheathing on the wire where it connects to the breaker.

Professional electricians can use a  thermal imaging infrared camera to locate the heat source. The infrared camera allows them to pinpoint the problem area through the walls and other construction material.

A Burning Smell

Sometimes you may smell the insulation burning, but no scorch marks are present to denote which outlet is the problem. 

With the help of the infrared camera, an electrician can help locate electrical issues. 

If you encounter a burning odor, shut off the main power and call for emergency service from an electrician. 

The electrical wires burn because power surges through the circuit, melting the wire insulation.

What is Nuisance Tripping

Nuisance tripping is when a breaker trips without a fault to warrant the interruption to the electric current flow.

Nuisance tripping occurs due to several reasons:

Stringent Protection on Circuits 

Sometimes the circuit is protected by stringent conditions that detect any variance as a fault and cause a trip. 

Such stringent conditions can be tuned to accommodate the home’s or building’s electric needs.

A Highly Sensitive Circuit Breaker

In some cases, the circuit breaker has been set to susceptible settings so that they can detect even the slightest fault, even a minor average variance.

For example, the manufacturer can set an AFCI circuit breaker to sensitive standards to detect another circuit’s arc. This common issue may occur in a daisy chain where the circuit breakers connect in a linear series. There may be a faulty electrical outlet you are unaware of on the circuit. It is common for multiple rooms to share a breaker in older houses.

The Breaker Encounters Power Under Different Conditions

The variation in the current is normal, but the breaker responds to it by tripping because the flow is outside the breaker’s regular operation.

Your circuit breaker is tripping because the voltage it is encountering is not within the standard operation. You will need to adjust the circuit breaker or the voltage to eliminate nuisance tripping.

The Breaker Trips with Nothing Plugged in

A breaker tripping with nothing plugged in occurs when a hot, neutral wire is touching somewhere in the circuit. The common causes include frayed or damaged electrical wires, loose connections, faulty electrical receptacles, light switches , or dimmers.

Electrical wire damage happens when:

• wiring is chewed by animals such as rats, squirrels , raccoons, etc
• wire sheathing and insulation ages and become frayed
• wires rub against sharp edges such as punch-outs with missing grommets or wire clamps

Loose connections often occur when electrical wire nuts come loose or electrical tape wears out causing wires to touch.

Defective wiring can be anywhere along the circuit, so it’s best to contact a licensed electrician to troubleshoot why the breaker is tripping.

Replacing a Bad Circuit Breaker

• Check the electrical panel to see the compatible approved circuit breaker brands. Also, make a note of the brand of the electric panel . This is to help you determine if there are upgrades they could recommend for the hardware.
• Order online or go to the hardware store and purchase the breaker of the same voltage as the one you are replacing.
• Go and open the electrical box and switch off the bad breaker. Loosen the terminals and remove the wires using a pair of needle-nosed pliers. Ensure the pliers have rubber insulated handles to avoid shock or electrocution since you will use the pliers to grab the live wires from the terminal. That is a safety measure.
• Remove the bad breaker. Replace it with the new breaker and slip its clips into place. Remember to switch off the replacement breaker.
• Next, using the pliers, hold the wiring and tighten the screws on the terminal. It is crucial to ensure that the wires and screws in the terminals are in the right place.
• Turn the breaker on and replace the electrical panel cover.

Can a Breaker Fail Without Tipping

If you have a newer electrical panel , it’s not likely for a breaker to fail and not trip. However, in older breaker boxes like Federal Pacific , the breaker failing to trip is common.

The main reason Federal Pacific was investigated by the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) was widespread structure fires involving breakers failing to trip when an electrical overload was present. They found that the circuit breaker contacts would fuse to the bus bar.

Modern breakers will trip when a failure occurs as an added layer of safety. Most older breakers did not have these safeguards.

With AFCI breakers, if the Internal sensing mechanism fails, the breaker reverts to a standard breaker. The AFCI sensor mechanism will no longer work, but the breaker would still trip from overcurrent protection. Therefore, you should test the AFCI breaker regularly.

Conclusion 

Listen to your circuit breaker . It’s alerting you of a problem when it trips. That communication could be a problem with the breaker itself, the circuit, or the amount of electric current coming into your home.

Hubert Miles is a licensed home inspector (RBI# 2556) with more than two decades of experience in inspection and construction. Since 2008, he has been serving South Carolina through his company, Patriot Home Inspections LLC. As a Certified Master Inspector, Hubert is dedicated to providing his expertise in home inspections, repairs, maintenance, and DIY projects.

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Can a Bad Light Switch Cause a Breaker to Trip? (The Answer May Surprise You)

Table of contents, key takeaways, role of light switches in electrical circuits, 1. loose wire connections, 2. damaged wiring, 1. scorch marks and sparks, 2. burning smell, 3. difficulty in operation, professional assistance for damaged light switch.

Can a bad light switch cause a breaker to trip? If you’ve ever experienced a sudden power outage after flipping a switch, you may have wondered about the connection.

In this article, we’ll explore the potential reasons behind this issue and offer some solutions to help you prevent future breaker trips.

• A bad light switch can cause a breaker to trip.
• Breaker trips occur when a circuit is overloaded or there is a short circuit.
• Signs of a bad light switch include flickering lights, sparking, and hot switch plates.

Light switches are an essential component of electrical circuits. They are used to turn on and off the flow of electricity to a light fixture.

When you toggle a light switch, you are essentially opening and closing a circuit. This is important because it allows you to control when and where electricity flows in your home.

A light switch is typically installed on a wall and is connected to the electrical wiring in your home. When you flip the switch, it sends a signal to the light fixture to turn on or off. If the switch is faulty, it can cause a variety of problems in your electrical system, including tripping your circuit breaker.

A faulty light switch can cause a breaker to trip if it is not functioning properly.

For example, if the switch is stuck in the on position, it can cause the circuit to overload and trip the breaker.

Similarly, if the switch is stuck in the off position, it can prevent electricity from flowing to the light fixture and cause the breaker to trip.

Replacing a faulty light switch is relatively easy and can be done by most homeowners. However, if you are not comfortable working with electrical wiring, it is best to hire a professional electrician to do the job for you.

Here are some signs that your light switch may be faulty and in need of replacement:

• The switch feels loose or wobbly
• The switch makes a buzzing or crackling sound when you flip it
• The switch is hot to the touch
• The switch fails to turn the light on or off consistently

Remember, if you suspect that your light switch is faulty, it is important to replace it as soon as possible to avoid any potential safety hazards.

TWO Wiring Issues Leading to Breaker Trips

When it comes to electrical issues, one of the most common causes of a breaker tripping is wiring issues.

Wiring issues can lead to a bad light switch, which in turn can cause a breaker to trip.

Here are some of the most common wiring issues that can lead to breaker trips:

One of the most common wiring issues is a loose wire connection. This can happen when the terminal screws on a switch or outlet are not tightened properly.

A loose wire connection can cause the wire to overheat, which can lead to a breaker trip. To fix this issue, you can simply tighten the terminal screws on the switch or outlet.

Another common wiring issue that can lead to breaker trips is damaged wiring. This can happen when the cables or wires are damaged or frayed.

Damaged wiring can cause a short circuit, which can lead to a breaker trip. To fix this issue, you may need to replace the damaged wiring or cables.

In addition to loose wire connections and damaged wiring, there are other wiring issues that can cause breaker trips. For example, a loose wiring connection can cause a breaker to trip. If you suspect that you have a loose wiring connection, you should check all of the connections to make sure that they are tight.

It’s important to note that wiring issues can be dangerous and should be addressed by a professional electrician. If you’re not comfortable working with electrical wiring, it’s best to leave it to the professionals.

To learn more about wiring issues and how to fix them, check out these resources:

• The Family Handyman
• This Old House
• Electrical Safety Foundation International

THREE Signs of a Bad Light Switch

If you’re experiencing issues with your light switch, it may be a sign that it’s time for a replacement. Here are some signs that your light switch may be bad.

If you notice scorch marks or sparks coming from your light switch, it’s a clear indication that something is wrong. Scorch marks can be caused by overheating, while sparks may indicate a short circuit.

In either case, you should immediately turn off the switch and call a licensed electrician to inspect and repair the switch. Ignoring this issue can cause serious damage to your home’s electrical system.

If you smell a burning odor coming from your light switch, it’s a sign that the switch is overheating. Overheating can be caused by a variety of factors, including loose connections, worn-out components, or a faulty switch.

If you notice a burning smell, turn off the switch and call a licensed electrician to inspect and repair the switch. Continuing to use the switch can lead to a dangerous electrical fire.

If you’re having trouble turning your light switch on or off, it may be a sign that the switch is faulty. A switch that is difficult to operate can be caused by a variety of issues, including worn-out components, loose connections, or a damaged toggle. If you’re having difficulty with your light switch, call a licensed electrician to inspect and repair the switch.

In addition to the above signs, there are other indications that your light switch may be bad. These include a melted switch cover plate or a switch that feels hot to the touch. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take action immediately to prevent further damage to your home’s electrical system.

To ensure that your light switch is working correctly, it’s important to have it inspected regularly by a licensed electrician. A professional electrician can identify any potential issues and make the necessary repairs to keep your home safe.

Remember, electrical issues can be dangerous, and attempting to repair them yourself can be risky. Always call a licensed electrician to inspect and repair any issues with your light switch or other electrical components.

If you suspect that a bad light switch is causing your breaker to trip, it may be time to call in a professional electrician. While it may be tempting to try to fix the issue yourself, it’s important to remember that electricity is dangerous and can cause serious injury or even death if not handled properly.

A licensed and qualified electrician will have the knowledge, tools, and experience necessary to diagnose and repair the problem safely and efficiently. They will be able to determine if the issue is with the light switch itself or with the wiring, and can make any necessary repairs or replacements.

It’s important to choose a professional electrician who is licensed and insured. This will ensure that they have the proper training and credentials to handle the job, and that you are protected in the event of any accidents or damage that may occur during the repair process.

When hiring a professional electrician, be sure to ask for references and check their online reviews. This will give you a good idea of their level of expertise and customer service. You may also want to ask about their pricing and availability, and whether they offer any warranties or guarantees on their work.

Overall, understanding the basics of electrical current flow, contacts, hot wires, ground wires, and fuses can help you diagnose and fix electrical issues in your home. Remember to always prioritize safety and consult professional electricians when necessary.

• Family Handyman
• DIY Network