Have you noticed that your outlet keeps tripping? At first, it may seem like a one-time problem, but when it consistently happens, you’ll need to get to the bottom of it. Whether you are having problems with your circuit breaker, outlets, or any other aspect of your electrical system, it’s important to consult experienced electricians who can find the right solution to your issues.

Consistent tripping not only disrupts your daily routine but can also be a potential red flag for more significant underlying issues. Electricians with ample experience can find the cause of the problem and the right solution to ensure the safety and reliability of your circuit breaker and the overall electrical system.

By seeking professional guidance, you can restore peace of mind and avoid potentially hazardous situations associated with electrical malfunctions.

Is It Dangerous If a Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping?

If your circuit breaker is consistently tripping, it can potentially pose some safety risks. The main concern is that when the breaker trips, it’s a sign that there is an issue within your electrical system. If left unaddressed, these issues could lead to overheating, electrical fires, or damage to the system itself.

So, while the tripping itself isn’t harmful, it serves as a warning signal that there’s an underlying problem that, if ignored, could result in hazardous electrical incidents. It’s important to address the cause promptly with electrical inspections to maintain a safe electrical environment.

What Causes a Breaker to Keep Tripping?

There are many reasons a breaker keeps tripping. From overworking your electrical system to having appliances improperly installed, you need to ensure that your home is safe and secure before using electronics or other items that require electricity.

If you notice any of these issues in your home, reach out to an electrician immediately:

• Your Circuits Are Overloaded: A circuit breaker gets its name because it is made to break the circuit when there is too much current running through it. If you have a 20 amp circuit, for example, and you try to run 30 amps through it, the circuit breaker will block the circuit and trip to keep your home safe from the amperage overload. If you have too much plugged into one outlet, try unplugging some of the things connected to the outlet.
• You’re in Need of a Heavy-Up: Alternatively, you could contact one of our electricians at GAC Services to find out how many amps your circuit can handle and make sure your appliances aren’t running at a higher amperage! If that’s the case, you may be in need of an upgrade or heavy-up.
• Your Circuits Are Shorting: This problem is a little more serious, as it has to do with the actual wiring in your home. There are different wires attached to your outlet. When two hot wires touch each other, or a hot wire touches a neutral wire, this can cause a short. If you suspect this may be the issue, it is best to have an expert check it out.
• You’re Experiencing a Ground Fault: Just like a short circuit, a ground fault happens when the hot wire touches something it shouldn’t, such as the metal outlet box. Just like a short, it is best to have a professional take a look if you suspect this is what is causing your circuit breaker to keep tripping, since hot wires can be very dangerous.
• Your Appliances Are Faulty: Sometimes, a faulty appliance (even something simple like a hair dryer, toaster, or lamp) can cause a circuit to trip over and over again. This issue is usually easy to diagnose, and the best way to get rid of the problem is to replace the appliance!
• You Have Bad Wiring: If an outlet has not been wired correctly, this can cause the breaker to trip. If you keep getting the same results from an outlet, no matter what you try, it’s time to have an electrician check the outlet to make sure the wiring was installed correctly.

What to Do When a Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping

If you have a circuit that tends to trip over and over again, there are several things you can do. If the circuit has way too many things plugged into the circuit, you may want to unplug a few appliances and see if this fixes the problem.

If just one appliance is causing the issue, plug a different appliance in and see if the circuit trips. If it doesn’t, then you know that the appliance is likely the problem—and that means it’s either time to replace the appliance or get a dedicated electrical panel or circuit breaker installed.

If an overloaded circuit or a bad appliance doesn’t seem to be the problem, it is time to call an expert in. It is a good idea not to take care of electrical issues yourself, since handling wiring and electrical components in your home can be dangerous.

If you need help with any electrical repairs in the Gaithersburg area, reach out to the team at GAC Services. Our dedicated technicians will thoroughly inspect and repair your system and ensure your safety. Contact us today or call us at (301) 835-1095, and we’ll figure out what is tripping the breaker.