Short answer: A breaker trips to protect wiring from an overload, a short circuit or a ground fault. If it trips again right after you reset it, or you smell burning, stop and call an electrician.
A breaker that trips once in a while is doing its job. One that trips often is telling you something is wrong on that circuit.
The three main causes
- Overload: too many devices on one circuit, like a space heater and a hair dryer together
- Short circuit: a hot wire touching a neutral wire, often in a damaged cord, outlet or fixture
- Ground fault: current leaking to ground, common in kitchens, bathrooms and outdoors
Safe checks you can do
- Unplug everything on that circuit
- Reset the breaker by pushing it fully off, then on
- Plug devices back in one at a time to find the one that trips it
- Move high power devices to other circuits
- Stop if the breaker trips with nothing plugged in
Warning signs
- A burning smell or scorch marks on outlets
- Warm or buzzing outlets or switches
- A breaker that will not reset
- Flickering lights on the same circuit
Older panels
Some older panels and breakers are known to fail. If your panel is decades old, rusty or warm to the touch, have an electrician look at it.
When to call a professional
Call an electrician if the breaker trips with nothing plugged in, trips right after a reset, feels hot, or you notice burning smells. These can point to a fire risk inside the walls.
Frequently asked questions
Can a breaker go bad?
Yes. Breakers wear out and can trip too easily or not trip when they should.
Is it safe to keep resetting it?
Not if it keeps tripping. Repeated resets can hide a dangerous wiring fault.
Why does my space heater trip the breaker?
Space heaters draw a lot of power. Plug them directly into a wall outlet on a circuit with little else on it.
Related
Read our panel upgrade page and our dangerous wiring signs guide.
For more background, see the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, and if you need help, Sifixit can connect you with a local provider.
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