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What To Do If My Breaker Keeps Tripping

A constantly tripping circuit breaker isn’t just a minor annoyance; it can also be risky. If there’s no power in part of the home, it’s best to call for professional advice, as working with electrical current is dangerous. Below, we will explain the importance of circuit breakers and outline the steps to take when they trip continuously.

What’s the Purpose of a Circuit Breaker?

Circuit breakers are components that moderate the flow of current through a Prescott, AZ home’s electrical circuits. They serve an important purpose; they prevent fires, shocks, and other electrical issues. On wiring diagrams, circuit breakers typically appear as breaks in electrical lines.

What Happens When Circuit Breakers Trip?

If a circuit breaker trips, it means that too much current is coming through at one time. When that happens, the breaker does its job, cutting the flow of current. An excess of electricity may overheat a home’s wiring or its electrical devices, which increases the risk of electrical shock. A few of the most common reasons for breaker trips are:

Circuit overload. If a circuit is overloaded, it means that it’s receiving more power than it can safely handle. This happens when there are too many appliances plugged into a single circuit, which causes underpowering and breaker tripping. Circuit overload is quite common in older homes and leaving the problem unaddressed increases the risk of electrical fire.
Short circuits. When a short circuit occurs, it’s usually due to branches, wires, or water meeting a circuit. Electrical current always takes the path of least resistance, and short circuits allow more current to pass through than the circuit can typically handle. This problem is a dangerous one that increases the risk of fire and fatal electric shock.
Ground faults. Here, current unintentionally flows from an electrical circuit to the earth. Ground faults often occur when a circuit touches a conductive surface that’s touching the ground. These situations are risky, and in some cases, they can even be deadly. Many of the area’s homes have GFCIs or ground fault circuit interrupters installed, which reduce these risks.
Appliances. Electronic devices and appliances may cause breakers to trip due to overheating, poor connections, broken wiring, or excessive current draw. A short in a specific appliance is a major inconvenience, and it also increases the risk of future electrical outages and appliance damage.

It’s crucial for us to find out why the breaker is tripping, as it will allow us to take preventive steps. If you suspect a ground fault or a short in a specific appliance, call to schedule service immediately.

Signs That It’s Time to Call for Help With Electrical Problems

Many people tend to ignore the occasional breaker trip, but frequent occurrences indicate problems. Call us to evaluate the condition of your home’s electrical system if you notice:

Scorch marks on outlet covers
Strange burning odors
Appliances, outlets, switches, and plugs that are hot to the touch
Damaged wiring
The presence of an old fuse box

Regardless of the reason why your circuit breakers are tripping, we’ll get to the bottom of all electrical problems. Call us now at (928) 232- 4028 or click now to schedule breaker service in Prescott, AZ.

Steps to Take When Breakers Trip

If you’ve tripped a circuit breaker, try to find the cause by:

Turning off the electrical circuit and disconnecting all connected devices
Flipping the breaker switch back on
Plugging in appliances and turning on lights one at a time until the problem reoccurs

If a circuit breaker tends to trip when certain lights and appliances are used, those components may be the cause. Whether you have a faulty light fixture, a broken appliance, or an outdated fuse box, we’re here to solve all your electrical problems. Keep your home and family safe by calling our Prescott team today.

Do You Need a Reliable Electrician in the Prescott Area?

All home electrical problems are serious and making mistakes during DIY repair attempts can pose risks to people, pets, and property. While it is tempting to try to diagnose and resolve these issues without professional intervention, it’s not a good idea. An electrician in Prescott, AZ can solve a long list of electrical problems, including:

Broken outlets
Faulty electrical wiring
Reoccurring power surges
Tripping circuit breakers
Lights that keep burning out
Flickering lights
Overloaded electrical circuits
A lack of outlets