Having the lights turn off due to tripped breakers can be frustrating, especially if you’re unsure of exactly what’s causing the problem. When you’re tired of running back and forth to the breaker box, enlisting the services of a licensed electrician for repairs is important. However, you might be curious as to what’s causing the problem, so here are some common culprits of a tripped breaker. 

What’s Causing Your Breakers to Frequently Trip? 

A Ground Fault Issue 

A ground fault is when a live electrical conductor touches a surface that’s not part of the circuit. When this occurs, there’s a high surge of electricity that automatically trips the magnetic safety mechanism stored in your circuit breaker box. If you suspect this is the cause of your problem, have the issue inspected by a professional, as not doing so can place you at risk of an electrical shock or fire. 

Circuit Overloads 

The most common reason for a tripped breaker is a circuit overload, which happens when there isn’t enough power for the devices plugged into a particular outlet. Each circuit is only designed to handle a certain amount of voltage and when it exceeds that, your breaker box shuts it down to prevent overheating. To avoid this, try plugging some items into another power outlet or turn some of them off to lessen the load.

Problems Resulting in Short Circuits

Similar to the ground fault issue mentioned above, a short circuit is caused when an active wire in an outlet touches a neutral one. This creates a surge of electricity causing your breaker box to switch off. There are often various explanations for crossed wires, the most frequent being a loose connection, but a professional can examine your system and repair the issue.

If you want to find out why your breaker box keeps tripping, Stellmach Electric, LLC in Cambridge Springs, PA, will be happy to share their 18 years of industry experience with you. Whether you need residential or commercial work, they can do it all. Call them today at (814) 282-7637 for an estimate, or visit their website for a complete list of services.