We’ve all been there — standing in front of the breaker box, puzzled and a bit annoyed, wondering what went wrong this time. Few things are as frustrating as a circuit breaker that keeps tripping.
At Farmers Electric Design & Construction, we understand the headaches — and safety issues — home electrical problems can cause. With nearly 70 years serving homeowners in Seattle and the Puget Sound area, our skilled electricians provide safe, reliable, and efficient solutions for all your electrical issues, from minor breaker trips to comprehensive system upgrades.
Common Causes of Breaker Trips
Understanding why your circuit breaker is repeatedly tripping is key to resolving the issue. Some of the most common reasons include:
- Overloaded circuit: Plugging too many devices or appliances into a single circuit can overload it, causing the breaker to trip.
- Short circuit: This occurs when a hot wire touches a neutral or ground wire, often due to faulty wiring, resulting in a sudden surge of electrical current.
- Ground fault: This is similar to a short circuit, but typically involves moisture or damaged wiring, causing the current to flow outside its intended path.
- Aging breaker: Older breakers can weaken and become overly sensitive, tripping even under normal electrical loads.
How to Reset Your Circuit Breaker
Resetting your circuit breaker is usually straightforward. Here’s how you can do it safely:
- Locate your electrical panel (typically found in a basement, garage, or utility room).
- Open the panel door and identify the tripped breaker — it will be positioned between “On” and “Off.”
- Turn the breaker fully to the “Off” position, then back to “On.”
- Wait a moment to see if it holds. If it trips again, avoid repeated resets — seek professional assistance instead.
When to Call an Electrician
While occasionally having to reset a breaker isn’t unusual, frequent trips are signs of larger electrical issues that require professional attention. If resetting the breaker doesn’t resolve the problem, or if the breaker continues to trip regularly, it’s best to call a qualified electrician.
Persistent breaker issues could be caused by dangerous conditions such as faulty wiring or other potential fire hazards, making immediate professional inspection crucial.
Preventing Breaker Trips
Since a tripped breaker often means that a circuit was overloaded, taking steps to avoid breaker trips is a wise move to maintain your home’s electrical safety and reliability. Here’s what you can do:
- Avoid plugging multiple high-wattage appliances into one circuit.
- Regularly inspect your electrical cords for signs of wear or damage.
- Consider upgrading your electrical system if you have older wiring.
- Schedule annual electrical inspections to detect and address potential problems.
- Invest in dedicated circuits for major appliances for balanced electrical loads.
Call Farmers Electric for Electrical Repairs
Ongoing electrical issues can disrupt your daily routine and jeopardize your safety. Farmers Electric Design & Construction has provided trustworthy electrical services since 1956, offering Seattle-area homeowners expert solutions for electrical issues big and small. Our experienced team prioritizes safety, integrity, and quality work in every job.
If your circuit breaker keeps tripping or you’re dealing with other home electrical problems, we’re the reliable professionals you can count on for quick, effective repairs.
Contact us today to schedule an electrical repair in Seattle.
