NOW SERVING SAN DIEGO & SURROUNDING AREAS
The Bottom Line
- Circuit breakers are important safety mechanisms in your home that stop the flow of electricity when there’s a problem with the circuit.
- You should never ignore a circuit breaker that trips multiple times, as it’s a sign that there’s something wrong with the electrical circuit that needs repair.
- Common reasons a circuit breaker trips repeatedly include short circuits, overloads, ground faults, loose wiring, appliance issues, and worn-out breakers.
- Certified electricians at Comfort Bros Heating, Air, Plumbing, and Electrical are available now to assist you with all your home service needs, including emergency electrical work.
Why Your Breaker Keeps Tripping (and What It Really Means)
Circuit breakers are automatic switches found in your home’s electrical panel that protect electrical circuits from damage by stopping the flow of electricity when there’s a problem like a short circuit or a sudden overload. Without these important safety mechanisms, there would be a much higher risk of electrical shock and fires.
If your breaker keeps tripping, it could be because there’s a serious problem with the wiring, electrical supply, or the breaker itself. This is an issue a professional electrician needs to inspect, for your safety, and to protect your property from being damaged.
At Comfort Bros. Heating, Air, Plumbing, and Electrical, we offer circuit breaker repairs and replacement services. Call us if your circuit breaker keeps tripping, and we’ll conduct a thorough electrical inspection to identify the root cause of the issue. You can count on us to find and resolve the issue, with your safety as our top priority.
Is It the Breaker or the Panel? Here’s How To Tell
When a tripped breaker won’t stay on, it can be hard to know whether it’s a faulty breaker or a bad panel. Some signs you’re experiencing electrical panel problems include:
- Visible damage, rust, or loose wiring.
- Sparking, heat, or smoke coming from the panel.
- Aging electrical components.
- Buzzing sounds.
- Flickering or dimming lights.
- Burning or “fishy” odors.
- Issues after installing modern appliances.
Tripping breaker signs are similar, but more localized to one area of the home. You may notice fluctuating power or dimming lights when you use certain appliances, or hot or sparking outlets.
The best way to find out what’s wrong is to call a certified California electrician. At Comfort Bros, we offer electrical inspections, breaker services, and electrical panel repairs and replacements throughout the Greater San Diego and SoCal areas. We can get to the bottom of any electrical issue with effective, safe solutions.
Common Reasons Circuit Breakers Keep Tripping
So what causes a breaker to trip repeatedly, even after resetting it? The following are some of the most common reasons.
- Short circuit: Electricity takes an unintended path that has low resistance, which allows too much current to flow. This can cause overheating, fire risks, and damage to appliances and electronics.
- Circuit overload: Too much current flows through an electrical circuit, causing the wires to overheat. Like shorts, overloads result in heat, creating a fire hazard.
- Ground fault: If a “hot” wire touches a grounded surface (or person), electricity leaks from the circuit and can result in serious electric shocks, burns, and fires.
- Loose or faulty wiring: If wiring connections aren’t tight enough it creates resistance in the circuit, which will create heat. It could also cause an electrical arc, shorts, or ground faults.
- Appliance problems: Issues with internal appliance mechanisms can cause shorts. Too many electronics and appliances running on the same circuit can cause an overload, while appliances like washers and dryers draw more power than your average circuit can handle.
The Hidden Dangers of Ignoring Repeated Breaker Trips
If a breaker continues tripping, or the circuit breaker won’t reset at all, it’s a clear sign that something is wrong. You should never ignore electrical issues, especially when they concern safety mechanisms.
Contact Comfort Bros today to book an electrical inspection, especially if your system has shown signs like burning smells, sparking, buzzing, or heat. Our qualified electricians will find and fix the issue for you, ensuring your electrical system operates safely.
When To Replace or Upgrade Your Electrical Panel
The biggest signs it’s time to upgrade your electrical panel include:
- Safety risks: Any fire or shock hazards or signs of damage are signs it’s time to replace the panel as soon as possible.
- Not enough power: Flickering lights and frequently tripping breakers means the panel can’t provide you with stable power.
- It doesn’t meet your needs: If your current panel can no longer handle your modern appliances and electronics it’s time for an upgrade.
Financing Options for Electrical Upgrades
There’s never a good time to need electrical repairs, but if you’re in need of professional electrical panel replacement service or other electrical upgrades, Comfort Bros can offer some financial relief. We have financing options that allow you to get critical electrical work done now, with affordable, scheduled payments.
Why Homeowners in San Diego County Trust Comfort Bros
San Diego County homeowners continue to rate our business highly because we offer:
- Service from highly-trained electricians.
- Advanced diagnostics to help us get to the bottom of your issue quickly.
- Affordable, reliable solutions to any electrical problem.
Get Your Home’s Power System Back on Track — Safely and Professionally
Comfort Bros electricians value your safety and comfort. When you choose us to resolve your electrical issues, you can relax, knowing your home is in good hands. Our electricians are qualified, friendly, and up-to-date on the latest electrical code, and always endeavor to provide quality service and care.
Comfort Bros Offers Reliable Home Services
Contact Comfort Bros today to schedule an electrical inspection, book a breaker repair appointment, or speak to an electrician about electrical panel upgrades. Our reliable contractors are available now to assist you.
We also offer home heater services, air conditioning services, and plumbing, making us a one-stop shop for all your comfort needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if the breaker trips are caused by a faulty electrical panel instead of loose wiring?
Breaker trips caused by loose wiring usually happen when a specific outlet is used or when you turn on a specific appliance. You may also notice visibly damaged or loose wires. Faulty electrical panels may not have an obvious cause. The panel may also feel warm to the touch, make buzzing sounds, or emit a distinct burning smell.
Are breaker trips dangerous, and is it safe to keep resetting them?
Breakers are designed to trip, so a single breaker trip is not dangerous. Continuously resetting the same breaker isn’t a good idea, as it’s a sign of circuit overload, faulty wiring, and other safety issues.
Can an old or worn-out breaker cause frequent tripping and panel problems?
Yes, if your circuit breaker is aging, it could stop functioning properly, becoming more sensitive and tripping more frequently. A worn-out breaker may also damage the electrical panel by overheating, and may become a safety hazard as it could also fail to trip when it should. If you suspect your electrical breakers are worn out, speak to your local electrician as soon as possible.
