A breaker that trips is doing exactly what it's designed to do - cutting power before a problem becomes dangerous. The question is why. There are three common culprits.
1. Overloaded circuit
The most common cause. Too many devices drawing power on one circuit - think space heaters, hair dryers, and microwaves - exceed its rating and trip the breaker. Spreading the load to other circuits usually solves it; if it's chronic, you may need a dedicated circuit.
2. Short circuit
When a hot wire touches a neutral or ground, a large surge of current trips the breaker instantly. Shorts can come from damaged wiring, a faulty appliance, or a bad outlet, and should be diagnosed by an electrician.
3. Ground fault
Similar to a short, but current is leaking to ground - often from moisture. This is what GFCI devices catch in kitchens, baths, and outdoors.
When to worry
Reset a breaker once. If it immediately trips again, stop - don't keep forcing it. Repeated tripping, a warm breaker, scorch marks, or a burning smell mean it's time to call a professional. These point to a fault that needs to be located and repaired, not reset.
Breaker won't stay on? CR Electric troubleshoots and repairs tripping circuits across the New Orleans area, with 24-hour emergency service. See our repair service.