Breaker keeps tripping? Use our checklist to spot overloads, bad wiring, or faulty breakers fast. Learn fixes, safety tips, and when to call a pro. Start now.

If your breaker keeps tripping, it is a warning that something is wrong on the circuit. While a quick reset may get your lights back on, repeated trips point to overload, a wiring fault, a problem appliance, or a bad breaker. This guide walks you through a careful checklist to find the cause, resolve simple issues, and know when to stop and call a licensed electrician. Northern Mechanical serves Southeastern Wisconsin with dependable, affordable service and 24/7 emergency support. While we specialize in plumbing and piping, our team helps homeowners and businesses protect their buildings, spot hazards like moisture near electrical gear, and connect with trusted trade partners when electrical help is needed.

Why Your Breaker Keeps Tripping

Overloaded circuit

An overload happens when the total current on a circuit is higher than the breaker can safely handle. This is common in kitchens, garages, and workshops where heaters, microwaves, air compressors, or power tools run on the same branch circuit. The breaker trips to prevent overheated wires and fire risk.

Short circuit

A short circuit occurs when a hot wire touches neutral or another hot wire. This causes a sudden surge of current and an instant trip. You may see a spark, smell burning, or notice a scorched plug. Damaged cords, loose connections, or pinched wiring can cause shorts.

Ground fault

A ground fault is when current flows off the intended path to ground. It often involves moisture, damaged insulation, or contact with metal surfaces. In wet areas like bathrooms, garages, and outdoors, GFCI protection is required to detect these faults quickly. If your breaker keeps tripping around sinks or near outdoor outlets, look for signs of water.

Arc fault

AFCI breakers watch for dangerous arcing that can start a fire. Loose connections, worn cords, or nails through wires can create arcing. Some older appliances can also cause nuisance trips if they produce electrical noise. If the label says AFCI, you may have an arcing issue or a sensitive breaker.

Loose or damaged wiring

Loose screws at outlets, switches, and the panel can create heat and cause a breaker to trip. Vibration, age, or past DIY work often lead to these loose connections. If you suspect loose wiring, schedule a professional inspection. Do not remove the panel cover yourself.

Faulty breaker

Breakers wear out over time or fail after repeated trips. A breaker that trips at lower than rated loads, feels hot to the touch, or will not stay set may be bad. Replacement should be handled by a licensed electrician to ensure safe sizing and installation.

Quick Safety Steps Before You Troubleshoot

  • If you smell burning plastic, see smoke, or feel heat on the panel, turn off the main breaker and call a pro immediately.
  • Keep hands dry and stand on a dry, stable surface.
  • Do not open the panel cover. Leave internal checks to a licensed electrician.
  • Unplug devices before resetting a breaker to reduce load.
  • Use a flashlight instead of candles when lights are out.
  • If there is any sign of water near outlets or the panel, stop and call for help. Northern Mechanical can find and fix plumbing leaks that trigger electrical problems, then coordinate with an electrician if needed.

Step-by-Step Checklist to Diagnose a Tripping Breaker

1. Identify which circuit is tripping

  1. Open the door of the electrical panel and look for the breaker that is in the middle or off position.
  2. Read its label if available, such as Kitchen Outlets or Bedroom 2.
  3. If the panel is not labeled, take a few minutes later to label it after you resolve the issue. Labeling helps you or a pro work faster next time.

2. Estimate the load on that circuit

Breakers are sized by amps. Most general circuits are 15 or 20 amps. Exceeding the amperage rating causes trips. Use this quick formula: Amps = Watts ÷ Volts. In most homes, Volts is 120 for standard outlets.

  • Space heater: 1500 watts equals about 12.5 amps
  • Hair dryer: 1200 to 1875 watts equals 10 to 15.6 amps
  • Microwave: 1000 watts equals about 8.3 amps
  • Vacuum: 600 to 1200 watts equals 5 to 10 amps
  • Gaming PC and monitor: 400 to 800 watts equals 3.3 to 6.6 amps

If two or three high draw devices run together on one 15 amp circuit, overload is likely. If your breaker keeps tripping when specific appliances run at the same time, separate them onto different circuits if possible.

3. Unplug and isolate

  1. Turn the tripped breaker fully to off, then to on to reset it.
  2. Unplug all devices on that circuit.
  3. Plug in one device at a time and test. Start with low draw devices like lamps, then add higher draw devices like heaters or vacuums.
  4. If the breaker trips when a certain appliance is plugged in or turned on, that appliance may be the cause.

4. Inspect devices and cords

  • Check for burned plugs, melted plastic, or a hot smell.
  • Look for frayed or crushed cords. Replace damaged cords right away.
  • Avoid daisy chaining power strips. Use one high quality strip rated for the load.
  • Large appliances should be plugged directly into a wall outlet, not a power strip.

5. Reset the breaker correctly

If your breaker keeps tripping, make sure you are resetting it fully. Most breakers will not reset unless you move the handle firmly to off first, then to on. A partial reset can feel like it is set but it may stay weak or trip again fast.

6. Inspect outlets and switches on the circuit

  • Turn off the breaker and use a non-contact voltage tester to verify power is off.
  • Remove cover plates and look for loose screws, burn marks, or cracked devices.
  • Tighten terminal screws gently if loose. If you see damage or scorched parts, replace the outlet or switch or call a pro.

7. Test GFCI and AFCI devices

  • Press the Test button on GFCI outlets, then press Reset. If it will not reset, the GFCI may be faulty or there is a persistent ground fault.
  • Check if your breaker is labeled AFCI. If the breaker keeps tripping, arcing or a sensitive breaker may be the cause. A licensed electrician can test the circuit and the breaker to confirm.

8. Look for moisture or leaks

Water and electricity do not mix. Moisture in bathrooms, kitchens, basements, or outdoors can cause ground faults and repeated trips. Check for damp walls, dripping pipes, or condensation near outlets and the panel. If you find any moisture, do not reset the breaker. Northern Mechanical can locate and repair plumbing leaks that lead to electrical hazards, and we respond 24/7 across Southeastern Wisconsin. After the leak is fixed and the area is dry, have an electrician confirm the circuit is safe.

9. Check the panel from the outside

  • With the door open but cover in place, look for rust, scorch marks, or a breaker that feels hot.
  • Listen for buzzing, which can point to a loose connection.
  • If you see double tapped wires on a single breaker or any sign of damage, stop. This needs a licensed electrician.

10. Know when to stop and call a pro

  • The breaker trips immediately after reset with everything unplugged.
  • You smell burning or see scorch marks.
  • There is any sign of water in or around the panel or outlets.
  • You find damaged wiring or loose connections that you are not trained to repair.
  • The breaker will not reset or feels weak and hot.

Common Fixes You Can Try Safely

  • Spread out heavy appliances. Move a space heater or microwave to a different circuit to reduce load.
  • Replace damaged power strips with a single, UL listed unit of the right rating. Avoid stacking power strips.
  • Plug large appliances directly into a wall outlet, not an extension cord.
  • Reset tripped GFCI outlets on the same circuit. A tripped GFCI can make a breaker seem like it failed.
  • Replace worn cords and cracked plugs. Small repairs can prevent bigger issues.
  • Lower the heat setting on a space heater or use a lower wattage model.
  • Fix moisture sources. If you see condensation or a leak near outlets, call Northern Mechanical to repair the plumbing and protect your electrical system.

When to Replace a Breaker vs. Rewire a Circuit

If your breaker keeps tripping due to overload, replacing the breaker with a higher amp model is not safe unless the wiring is sized for it. Upsizing a breaker on undersized wire can lead to a fire. The right fix depends on the cause.

  • Breaker replacement: Consider if the breaker trips at low loads, will not reset, or feels hot while loads are normal. Have an electrician test and replace with the same rating and type.
  • Rewire or add a new circuit: Needed when the circuit is often overloaded by normal use, like a kitchen with multiple countertop appliances or a garage with tools and a heater. Adding a dedicated circuit prevents constant trips.
  • Upgrade protection: In many areas, AFCI or GFCI protection is required in certain rooms. Upgrading can reduce hazards but may reveal issues that need repairs.

Prevention Tips to Stop a Breaker From Tripping

  • Label your panel clearly so you know which breaker serves each room and appliance.
  • Limit high draw devices on any one circuit. Plan where you plug in heaters, hair dryers, and microwaves.
  • Use quality surge protectors for electronics and replace them every few years.
  • Test GFCI and AFCI devices monthly with the Test and Reset buttons.
  • Keep the area around the electrical panel dry and clear. Never store liquids near the panel.
  • Schedule periodic inspections after renovations or if you move into an older home.
  • Fix plumbing leaks quickly. Northern Mechanical can stop moisture problems that trigger ground faults and panel corrosion.

FAQs: Breaker Keeps Tripping

Why does my breaker keep tripping when I use my space heater?

Space heaters can draw 12 to 13 amps on their own. On a 15 amp circuit with lights and other devices, that is enough to overload the circuit and trip the breaker. Use the heater on a dedicated circuit if possible or choose a lower wattage setting.

Is it safe to keep resetting a tripping breaker?

One reset after removing load is fine. Repeated trips mean a problem that needs attention. Do not keep resetting if the breaker trips right away, if you smell burning, or if you see any sign of heat or moisture.

How can I tell if the breaker is bad?

Signs include frequent trips with low load, a breaker that feels hot, visible wear, or a handle that will not stay on. An electrician can test it. Never swap a breaker for one of a higher amp rating without confirming wire size.

What is the difference between GFCI and AFCI?

GFCI protects people from shock in wet areas by sensing ground faults. AFCI protects buildings by sensing dangerous arcing in wiring. Some breakers combine both. If your breaker keeps tripping, check which type you have to guide the next step.

Can water leaks cause a breaker to trip?

Yes. Leaks near outlets, junction boxes, or the panel can cause ground faults and corrosion. Fix leaks first, then have an electrician check the circuit. Northern Mechanical can locate and repair the source of the water so the electrical repair will hold.

What size breaker do I need for my appliance?

Follow the appliance nameplate and the National Electrical Code. Many large appliances require their own dedicated circuit. A licensed electrician should size the breaker and wire together.

Should I open the panel to tighten connections?

No. Opening the panel exposes you to live parts. Leave panel work to a licensed electrician. You can tighten device screws at outlets and switches with power off, but stop if you see damage.

Why does the breaker trip when it rains?

Moisture may be entering outdoor outlets or fixtures, or there could be a leak near a cable entry. GFCI devices should protect against this by tripping. Inspect covers and seals and call Northern Mechanical if you suspect a leak. After the area is dry, have an electrician test the circuit.

Why Choose Northern Mechanical in Southeastern Wisconsin

Northern Mechanical, LLC serves industrial, commercial, and residential clients across Southeastern Wisconsin with reliable, affordable service. Our certified team is known for prompt response and clear communication. We provide 24/7 emergency service, and we take building safety seriously. While our core focus is plumbing and piping, many electrical trips start with moisture problems, corrosion, or leaks. We find and fix those issues at the source, protect your home or facility from further damage, and coordinate with trusted electricians when specialized electrical work is needed.

Clients choose Northern Mechanical for our professionalism, clean job sites, and dedication to solving problems the right way. Whether your breaker keeps tripping because a leak is dripping into a junction box, a basement is damp, or a slop sink is splashing near outlets, we move fast to stop water and protect your system. Our team supports homeowners, property managers, and facility leaders with preventive maintenance and emergency response when time matters most.

Schedule Service or Get Emergency Help

If your breaker keeps tripping and you suspect moisture, corrosion, or a nearby plumbing issue, contact Northern Mechanical today. We will inspect for leaks, correct the cause, and help you plan the next steps with a qualified electrician if needed. Our 24/7 emergency service keeps homes and facilities in Southeastern Wisconsin safe and operational. Call now to schedule service, or reach out after hours for immediate help. We are ready to restore safety, prevent damage, and earn your trust with every visit.