A breaker that trips is the system protecting itself — and sometimes you. The right next step depends on which kind of trip you're dealing with. Here's how to read the symptoms before you decide between resetting one more time and picking up the phone.
1. Overload — the most common cause
Symptom: a 15A or 20A breaker trips when you run multiple appliances on the same circuit. Cause: total load exceeded the rating. Fix: move one appliance to a different circuit, or have a dedicated circuit installed for high-draw equipment (microwave, space heater, EV charger).
2. Short circuit — trips immediately when reset
Symptom: breaker trips the instant you turn it back on, possibly with a spark or pop. Cause: a hot conductor is touching neutral or ground somewhere downstream. Fix: do not keep resetting it. Disconnect everything on that circuit; if the breaker still trips, the short is in the wiring and needs an electrician.
3. Ground fault — typically on a GFCI
Symptom: a GFCI outlet or breaker (kitchen, bath, exterior, garage) trips during use. Cause: current is leaking to ground, often through moisture or a failing appliance. Fix: unplug everything, reset, then plug devices in one at a time until you find the offender.
4. Arc fault — trips on AFCI breakers
Symptom: a bedroom or living-area circuit on an AFCI breaker trips intermittently, often when motors start. Cause: the AFCI is detecting an arcing pattern, which can be a real arc (loose connection, damaged cord) or a nuisance trip from older wiring. Fix: AFCI nuisance trips are real — but never assume. Have the circuit checked.
5. The breaker itself is worn
Breakers are mechanical devices. After many trips, the spring and contacts wear out. A breaker that trips at well below its rating, or one that won't fully reset, has reached the end of its life and needs replacement. This is a $25 part and a 30-minute job for an electrician — and worth doing the moment you suspect it.
What to do right now
Before calling: note which breaker, which outlets are dead, and what was running when it tripped. That two-line summary cuts diagnostic time in half and often lets us tell you over the phone whether you have a quick fix or a real issue.
- Don't keep resetting a breaker that won't hold
- Don't replace a breaker with a higher amperage one — that defeats the protection
- Do unplug everything on the circuit before resetting
- Do call us at 707-837-6722 if you smell anything burning or see scorch marks
Sonoma County · Since 1990
Talk to a licensed electrician about your circuit breaker repair.
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