Circuit breaker trips randomly

Common reasons your breaker keeps tripping include circuit overload, a short circuit, or a ground fault.

1. Why would a circuit breaker trip for no reason?
2. Why does my breaker keep tripping when nothing has changed?
3. How do I find out what keeps tripping my circuit breaker?
4. Should I worry if a breaker trips?
5. Can a circuit breaker trip without moving?
6. Can a tripped breaker cause a fire?
7. How do I reset a breaker that keeps tripping?
8. How many times can a breaker trip?
9. Is it safe to reset a tripped breaker?

Why would a circuit breaker trip for no reason?

Overloaded Circuits

The most common cause of a tripped circuit breaker is an overload in that circuit. Each circuit is only intended to carry a certain electrical load, and if it exceeds this load, it will cause the breaker to trip.

Why does my breaker keep tripping when nothing has changed?

If the breaker trips immediately upon resetting, even with nothing plugged in or turned on, it's likely something in your home's wiring causing the problem. This could be a loose connection at a receptacle or other device, or something more complicated, like worn insulation within your walls.

How do I find out what keeps tripping my circuit breaker?

Open the cover on the consumer unit to see which switches have tripped to the OFF position. Put them back to the ON position. If tripping occurs again, it is probably being caused by a faulty appliance. You need to identify which circuit is affected and which appliance on that circuit is causing the problem.

Should I worry if a breaker trips?

Don't ignore a circuit breaker that keeps tripping. This is a sign that one of your circuits is getting overloaded on a regular basis. Your circuits are only able to handle up to a certain level of voltage. Beyond this voltage, you run the risk of starting an electrical fire.

Can a circuit breaker trip without moving?

Can a breaker still trip even with the handle locked into the ON position? Resolution: Yes, the circuit breaker standard UL489 requires circuit breakers to be "trip free", meaning that they will still trip if the handle is held in the ON position.

Can a tripped breaker cause a fire?

When a circuit breaker trips, too much electricity is trying to move through the circuit at once, causing the circuit breaker to literally break the circuit. Too much electricity passing through a circuit can overheat the electrical wiring in your home or electrical devices, which can cause a fire or electrocution.

How do I reset a breaker that keeps tripping?

To fully reset the breaker, you will need to turn the breaker all the way off and then back on before it will hold. If the breaker trips again you may have a short circuit or overloaded circuit, which will need to be checked out by a local licensed residential electrician.

How many times can a breaker trip?

Most molded case circuit breakers are rated for 1000's of mechanical operations and only 2 full rated fault interruptions. Overloads (even upto 10x) are faults that do not drastically shorten the life of the breaker.

Is it safe to reset a tripped breaker?

It is safe to reset a breaker only if it has been determined that the circuit was overloaded. Repeatedly resetting a breaker could result in an arc flash or a fire. If the cause is due to a short-circuit or a ground fault, a qualified electrician must be notified to investigate the problem.