Troubleshooting Tripped Circuits Safely
A tripped circuit breaker is a common household issue that can be frustrating and even concerning. Before you reach for the phone, let’s explore the common causes and how to safely troubleshoot the problem. A little DIY troubleshooting of your electrical panel can save you hundreds of dollars in expensive repairs.
Common Causes of Tripped Breakers
- Overloaded Circuit:
- Problem: Too many appliances or devices plugged into a single circuit are drawing more power than it can handle. For instance, a vacuum plugged into an outlet cause a circuit overload
- Solution: Unplug some appliances and reset the breaker. Distribute the load across multiple circuits to ease the burden of an electrical overload in that particular area of the house.
- Short Circuit:
- Problem: A “hot” wire comes into contact with a neutral or ground wire, creating a surge of current. Improperly installed outlets can cause shorts in your electrical wiring.
- Solution: This is a serious electrical safety issue that requires professional attention. Do not attempt to fix it yourself.
- Ground Fault:
- Problem: Current is flowing through an unintended path, such as through water or a person.
- Solution: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) are designed to detect ground faults and trip the breaker. If a GFCI trips, unplug appliances and reset it. If it continues to trip, contact an electrician like Cathey Services.
- Faulty Appliance or Wiring:
- Problem: A defective appliance or damaged wiring can cause a surge of current. This can be a air fryer, blender, or other household item in the kitchen.
- Solution: Unplug appliances one by one and try resetting the breaker to isolate the faulty appliance. If the breaker trips with all appliances unplugged, there may be a wiring issue.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Identify the Tripped Breaker:
- Look for a breaker switch that is in the “off” or middle position.
- Reset the Breaker:
- Push the breaker switch fully to the “off” position and then back to the “on” position.
- Unplug Appliances:
- Unplug appliances on the affected circuit to reduce the load.
- Test the Circuit:
- Plug in appliances one by one to see if the breaker trips again.
When to Call an Electrician:
- If the breaker trips repeatedly.
- If you smell burning or see sparks.
- If you suspect a short circuit or ground fault.
- If you’re uncomfortable working with electrical systems.
Don’t let tripped breakers keep you in the dark. Contact Ellis County’s most dependable electrician 972-217-3543 for safe and reliable electrical services.