If your circuit breaker box keeps tripping, you're not alone—and you're definitely not wrong to be concerned. Frequent breaker trips are more than just an inconvenience; they can be a sign of underlying electrical issues that need immediate attention.
At Bowen Electric, we’ve helped Central Texas homeowners troubleshoot everything from overloaded circuits to faulty panels. This guide breaks down why your breaker may be acting up, what you can do to fix it, and when it’s time to call a licensed professional.
What Is a Circuit Breaker and Why Does It Trip?
Think of your circuit breaker as the guardian of your home's electrical system. Its job is to automatically shut off power when it detects a problem—usually to prevent overheating, fires, or damage to your appliances.
There are several types of circuit breakers, including:
- Standard breakers (single or double pole) for general circuits
- GFCI breakers, which prevent shocks in wet areas like bathrooms or kitchens
- AFCI breakers, designed to prevent electrical fires from arc faults
If your breaker is tripping often, it means something’s not right—and your electrical system is trying to protect you.
Common Reasons Your Breaker Keeps Tripping
1. Electrical Overload
This is the most common reason for a tripping breaker. An overload happens when too many devices draw power from the same circuit. Think space heaters, microwaves, and hair dryers running at the same time.
Fix: Unplug a few items and try resetting the breaker. Avoid daisy-chaining extension cords, especially for high-powered devices.
2. Short Circuit
It happens when a hot wire touches a neutral or ground wire, causing a power surge.
Signs: Burning smell, scorch marks, or sparks.
Fix: Don’t DIY—call a licensed electrician right away.
3. Ground Fault
Like a short circuit, a ground fault occurs when electricity takes an unintended path, often due to moisture. It is common in kitchens, bathrooms, or outdoor outlets.
Fix: Unplug devices and check for moisture. Call a pro if it continues.
4. Faulty Appliances or Wiring
Sometimes, the culprit is the appliance itself. Old, damaged, or improperly wired devices can repeatedly trip a breaker.
Fix: Try plugging the appliance into a different outlet. If the new circuit trips, the issue is with the appliance—not your wiring.
Troubleshooting Tips for Homeowners
Before you reach for the phone, try these quick fixes:
- Unplug everything on the tripped circuit.
- Reset the breaker by entirely switching it off and then back on.
- Spread out high-draw devices to different outlets or circuits.
- Inspect cords and outlets for damage, burn marks, or odors.
If the breaker trips again immediately—or repeatedly over a few days—it’s a red flag that something more serious is happening.
When to Call a Licensed Electrician
Certain situations are best left to the professionals. Call Bowen Electric if:
- Your breaker trips frequently, even when loads are light
- You notice burning smells, buzzing sounds, or flickering lights
- The panel feels hot to the touch
- Your home still has older fuse panels or outdated wiring
Our team can safely diagnose and resolve any electrical issues before they turn into bigger (and more expensive) problems.
How Bowen Electric Can Help
At Bowen Electric, we’ve been serving Central Texas with dependable, licensed, and timely electrical services since 1955. Whether you need a breaker panel upgrade, circuit repair, or full home rewiring, we’ve got the experience and tools to get the job done right the first time.
We also offer 24/7 emergency services, so you’re never left in the dark when it matters most.
