Circuit Breaker Tripping? Why It Won’t Reset and How to Fix It | Voltage Ventures

We’ve all experienced the frustration of a circuit breaker tripping.

Maybe your circuit breaker keeps flipping off, and despite trying to reset it multiple times, it just won’t stay on.

When that happens, it usually points to a deeper issue within your electrical system – something that shouldn’t be ignored.

In many cases, it’s best to have a licensed electrician inspect your panel to make sure everything is safe and up to code.

Let’s break down why your circuit breaker keeps tripping, why it might not reset, and what you can do to fix it.

Why Circuit Breakers Trip

Before you can fix the problem, you need to understand what causes circuit breakers to trip in the first place.

Here are the most common reasons:

• Overloaded Circuits: Plugging too many appliances into the same circuit -- like a microwave, toaster, and coffee maker in the kitchen -- can cause an overload, triggering the breaker.

• Short Circuits: A short happens when a hot wire touches another wire it shouldn’t. This causes a surge of electricity, often with visible signs like scorch marks, sparks, or a burning smell.

• Ground Faults: Similar to a short circuit, a ground fault occurs when a live wire contacts a grounded object, like a metal box or surface, leading to a dangerous electrical path.

• Faulty Appliances or Wiring: Old appliances or damaged wiring -- like frayed cords or deteriorated insulation -- can cause your breaker to trip unexpectedly.

Circuit breakers are there for safety, without them, there would be a lot more electrical fires and hazards in homes and businesses.

That "annoying" trip could be preventing a serious accident.

Why Your Circuit Breaker Won’t Reset

If your breaker trips repeatedly and refuses to reset, here’s what could be going on:

• Persistent Overload: You may still have too many devices drawing power on that circuit. Try unplugging a few and then resetting the breaker.

• Short Circuit or Ground Fault: If the breaker trips even after unplugging everything, check your outlets for signs of damage, like discolouration or a burnt smell. This usually calls for professional help.

• Faulty Breaker: The breaker itself may be worn out or damaged and needs to be replaced by a certified electrician. 

• Loose or Damaged Wiring: Poor connections behind the outlets or in the panel can also prevent proper resetting. These issues should only be handled by a licensed electrician.

It could be one of these reasons or a combination of them, and should be checked out by a professional electrician if you feel confused or need reassurance.

How to Fix a Tripped Circuit Breaker

If there’s no major damage and your breaker does reset, follow these steps:

Identify the Problem

Start with unplugging any devices connected to the circuit and check for warning signs such as sparks, scorch marks, loud zapping, burning smells, flickering lights, and overheated wiring or appliances.

Reset the Breaker

Locate your electrical panel and find the tripped breaker, it should in the “off” position or a middle position.

Make sure the switch is fully flipped in the “off” position, then switch it back on.

Test the Circuit

Plug your appliances in one by one. If the breaker trips again, you’ve likely found the culprit.

Call a Professional

If the breaker doesn't reset or trips again immediately, it’s time to call a licensed electrician.

When to Call an Electrician

If you’ve done all the safe troubleshooting steps and your breaker still gives you trouble, it’s best to get a professional involved, especially in these situations:

• Persistent Tripping: The breaker continues to trip even after unplugging devices from the circuit.

• Signs of Damage: If you notice anything suspicious like scorch marks, sparks, or burning smells.

• Old Wiring: Homes with outdated wiring may be in desperate need of an inspection.

• Faulty Breaker: If you think the breaker itself is damaged, get an electrician to replace it.

Never attempt to repair electrical panels yourself, you could put yourself in danger and end up causing further damage.

At Voltage Ventures, our licensed electricians treat your home like it’s their own.

We’ll diagnose the issue, fix it right the first time, and keep your home safe.

Contact us today to get your electrical panel inspected or repaired.

Preventing Future Circuit Breaker Trips

Once your system is working again, take these preventative steps to avoid future issues:

• Avoid Overloading Circuits: Spread your high-wattage appliances across multiple outlets or circuits.

• Upgrade Your Electrical Panel: Older electrical panels have a harder time handling modern electrical leads, an upgrade may be needed.

• Install AFCI/GFCI Breakers: These offer added protection against arcs and ground faults

• Schedule Regular Inspections: Have a licensed electrician inspect your system every few years to catch issues early.

A tripping circuit breaker is more than just a nuisance, it’s a warning sign.

Whether it’s an overloaded circuit, a short, or faulty wiring, ignoring it could put your home at risk.

Luckily, most issues can be quickly diagnosed and safely resolved with the help of a licensed electrician.

At Voltage Ventures, we’re here to help you get back to safe, uninterrupted power.

If your circuit breaker doesn't reset or keeps tripping, don’t wait, contact us today and let’s get it fixed!

FAQs

Q: How do I know if my breaker is faulty?

A: If it won’t reset, feels hot to the touch, or trips repeatedly, it might need a replacement.

Q: Can I replace a breaker myself?

A: Breaker replacements should only be done by a licensed electrician for safety reasons.

Q: Can a tripped breaker cause a fire?

A: The breaker itself won’t, but ignoring repeated trips, which signal overloads/faults, can lead to overheating and fire hazards.

Q: Why does my breaker trip with nothing plugged in?

A: Hidden issues like damaged wiring, pests chewing wires, or a faulty breaker could be the cause, it’s time to call an electrician.

Q:Is it safe to keep resetting a tripped breaker?

A: No. Repeated resetting without fixing the root cause risks damage, if it trips more than twice, investigate or call a professional.

Q:Why does my fridge keep tripping the breaker?

A:Fridges need a big power boost when starting up. If other appliances are on the same circuit or the wiring is old, it can overload. Try plugging your fridge into its own circuit.