Determining the Causes: Why Does a Circuit Breaker Trip?
A circuit breaker is a vital component of an electrical system as it protects your appliances and devices from damage caused by electrical overloads. Electrical overloads occur when too much current passes through the wires, causing them to overheat and potentially catch fire.
When this happens, the circuit breaker will trip and shut off power to the affected circuit, preventing further damage. However, if your circuit breaker trips frequently, it can be frustrating, and it’s a sign of an underlying problem.
This article discusses the common causes of circuit breaker trips and how to identify and address them.
Overloaded Circuit
An overloaded circuit is a frequent reason for a circuit breaker to trip. When an excessive number of appliances or devices are hooked on a single circuit and the amount of current flowing through the wires surpasses the circuit’s capacity, the circuit is said to be overloaded.
For instance, if you plug in a portable heater, a hairdryer, and a toaster into the same circuit, the total current draw may exceed the circuit’s capacity, causing the circuit breaker to trip.
To prevent an overloaded circuit, you should avoid plugging too many appliances into the same circuit. You can also redistribute your appliances and devices to different circuits to reduce the load on a particular circuit.
Short Circuit
Another cause of frequent circuit breaker trips is a short circuit. There’s a short circuit when the hot wire and the neutral wire touch, causing a surge of current to flow through the circuit. This sudden surge of current can cause the wire to overheat and potentially catch fire.
Short circuits can be caused by damaged or frayed wires, loose connections, or faulty appliances. To identify a short circuit, you should look for signs of damage or wear on the wires or outlet.
You may also notice a burning smell or hear a popping or buzzing sound before the circuit breaker trips. If you think there’s a short circuit, you should immediately turn off the power to the circuit and call a licensed electrician to inspect your wiring and appliances.
Ground Fault
A ground fault happens when the hot wire comes into contact with a grounded surface, such as a metal appliance or a water pipe. This can cause a surge of current to flow through the circuit, leading to a circuit breaker trip.
Ground faults can be caused by damaged wires or faulty appliances. To identify a ground fault, you should look for signs of damage or wear on the wires or appliances. You may also notice a tingling sensation or a shock when you touch an appliance.
If you suspect a ground fault, you should immediately turn off the power to the circuit and call a licensed electrician to inspect your wiring and appliances.
Old or Faulty Circuit Breaker
Sometimes, a circuit breaker may frequently trip due to age or wear and tear. As circuit breakers age, they may become less reliable, and the contacts may become loose or corroded, leading to frequent tripping.
To identify an old or faulty circuit breaker, you should look for signs of wear or corrosion on the contacts. You may also notice that the circuit breaker frequently trips, even when the load on the circuit is within its capacity.
If you suspect an old or faulty circuit breaker, you should replace it with a new one. It’s essential to hire a licensed electrician to install the new circuit breaker to ensure it’s done correctly.
Conclusion
A circuit breaker trip is a sign of an underlying problem in your electrical system. By identifying the cause of the trip, you can take steps to prevent it from happening in the future.
It’s essential to hire a licensed electrician to inspect your wiring and appliances regularly to ensure they’re in good condition and prevent potential hazards.
Don’t hesitate to call Passey Electric if you need residential electrical services in Southern Alberta! We provide complete electrical solutions to residential, farm wiring, and commercial establishments. Set up your appointment with our experts today!