Circuit breakers are designed to shut off electricity when they detect a potentially dangerous electrical condition. So when a breaker trips, it's doing its job.

But if the same breaker keeps tripping, simply resetting it over and over isn't a solution. Repeated trips can be a sign that something needs to be investigated.

The Circuit Is Overloaded

One of the most common reasons a breaker trips is an overloaded circuit.

Every circuit can safely handle only a certain amount of electrical current. Running multiple high-demand appliances on the same circuit can exceed that capacity and cause the breaker to trip.

There's a Short Circuit

A short circuit occurs when electricity takes an unintended path. This can cause a breaker to trip quickly and may create a serious electrical hazard.

If a breaker trips immediately after you reset it, don't continue trying to reset it.

There Could Be a Ground Fault

Ground faults occur when electricity travels along an unintended path toward the ground. GFCI protection is designed to help protect people from certain types of ground-fault conditions.

Ground faults can occur around areas where water and electricity are both present, including kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor areas.

An Appliance Could Be the Problem

Sometimes the electrical circuit is fine, but a particular appliance is causing the breaker to trip.

If the breaker consistently trips when you use one appliance, stop using that appliance until the issue can be evaluated.

The Breaker Itself May Be Failing

Breakers can wear out or become damaged. If a breaker trips unexpectedly or behaves differently from the others in your panel, an electrician can determine whether the breaker needs to be replaced.

Don't Keep Resetting a Tripping Breaker

A breaker that trips once isn't necessarily a cause for alarm. But repeated trips are worth investigating.

Never force a breaker to remain on, bypass the breaker, or replace it with one that isn't appropriately rated for the circuit.

If you're unsure why a breaker keeps tripping, turn off the affected equipment and contact a qualified electrician.

Thomas Edison Electric provides circuit breaker troubleshooting and electrical repair throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania.