Molly Ayala
Tripped circuit breakers are a common occurrence in many households, and they can be caused by a multitude of factors. Circuit breakers are an essential safety mechanism in your home, cutting off electricity when the current gets too high, preventing electrical fires, shocks, and other forms of damage and injury. This article will discuss the common causes of tripped breakers and provide solutions to prevent them from occurring.
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What You'll Learn
Identify overloaded circuits
An overloaded circuit occurs when the amount of electricity being used exceeds the circuit's maximum load capacity. This can lead to circuit overloads, which can be dangerous and increase the risk of house fires. Therefore, it is important to be able to identify the signs of an overloaded circuit.
One of the most obvious signs of an overloaded circuit is a circuit breaker that trips and shuts off the power. If the circuit breaker does not trip, there may be other signs of an overload, such as discoloured or damaged outlet covers, or scorch marks around them. Other signs include flickering or dimming lights, particularly when using other appliances, buzzing noises from outlets or switches, and outlet or switch covers that feel warm to the touch. A burning smell from outlets or switches, sluggish electronics, and a tingling sensation or mild shock when touching outlets, switches, or appliances are also indicators of overloaded circuits.
To prevent overloading a circuit, it is important to be aware of the amperage of your breakers or fuses and the power consumption of your appliances. Electrical Code safety regulations state that a circuit should not be loaded beyond 80% of its amperage rating. For example, a 20-amp breaker will trip if it draws 16 amps of power. Additionally, certain large or heavy-duty appliances may require their own line to minimise the risk of overloading a circuit.
If you suspect a circuit is overloaded, you can move some devices to a different general-purpose circuit and flip the circuit breaker back on. However, this may not be a long-term solution, and a professional electrician should be consulted for a permanent fix.
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Avoid faulty appliances
Faulty appliances can cause power trips and damage your electrical system. When appliances become faulty, they usually draw on higher power, and when they don't get their required current, they can cause electrical surges. These surges can burn electrical components, such as outlets and connectors in light switches, which will then need to be replaced.
To prevent this, ensure that your appliances are compatible with the capacity of the sockets they are plugged into and that you are not plugging too many appliances into a single circuit or socket. If you are unsure about the capacity of your electrical system, consult a qualified electrician.
If you notice that plugging in a particular appliance causes the power to trip, it is likely that this appliance is faulty and should be replaced. If you have electrical experience, you can try to repair the appliance, but if you are unsure, it is best to call a licensed electrician.
To avoid overloading your circuits, distribute your electrical appliances across multiple sockets and avoid using extension cables as a permanent solution for powering multiple devices. You can also try unplugging any electrical appliances that are not in use, which will save you money on your energy bills.
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Prevent short circuits
Short circuits can be extremely dangerous and cause serious fire hazards, so it's important to know how to prevent them. Short circuits occur when the live and neutral wires accidentally come into contact, creating a low-resistance path. This results in excess voltage and current flow, leading to wires heating up and potentially catching fire.
- Check for faulty or outdated wiring, especially in older homes. Older wires were made of aluminium, which may not be sufficient for modern electrical demands. Invest in copper wires to support the daily electricity consumption of your household.
- Examine your outlets for any signs of wear and tear, such as burn marks, sparks, a burning smell, or buzzing sounds. These could indicate a major problem, and you may need to replace the outlet.
- Avoid overloading your circuits by unplugging electronic appliances when you're not using them. Some electronics use power even when they're not turned on.
- Get an annual electrical inspection by a qualified electrician to identify and fix any potential hazards, such as exposed wires, faulty appliances, or old outlets.
- Keep pests at bay with regular pest control to prevent them from chewing through wires and compromising your electrical system.
- During lightning storms, minimise your electrical usage. Lightning can cause a short circuit by overwhelming the load-bearing capacity of a circuit.
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Understand ground faults
A ground fault is an electrical problem that occurs when electricity takes an unplanned path to the ground. This happens when an energised conductor unintentionally comes into contact with the ground or the equipment frame.
In a typical wiring setup, there are three types of wires: hot, neutral, and ground. The hot wire conducts electricity, the neutral wire completes the circuit, and the ground wire serves as a backup in case the hot wire malfunctions. In a ground fault, the hot wire touches the ground wire or a grounded portion of the system, such as a metal electrical box. This creates an alternative path for the electricity to flow, bypassing the circuit. As a result, the circuit breaker trips due to the uncontrolled flow of electricity.
Ground faults can be caused by various factors, including overloaded circuits, damaged appliances, incorrect wiring, or worn wire insulation. Overloaded circuits occur when too many appliances or devices are connected to a single circuit or socket, exceeding its capacity. This can lead to circuit overload and cause the circuit breaker to trip. To prevent overloaded circuits, it is important to distribute electrical appliances across multiple sockets and ensure they are compatible with their capacity.
Ground faults can also be caused by damaged appliances or wiring issues. If an appliance is causing the ground fault, it is recommended to replace it to prevent future tripping. Wiring issues, such as loose connections or damaged insulation, can also lead to ground faults. In such cases, it is advisable to call a licensed electrician to diagnose and fix the issue.
Understanding ground faults is crucial for maintaining electrical safety. By recognising the signs of a ground fault, such as tripped circuit breakers, flickering lights, burning smells, or buzzing sounds from outlets, you can take appropriate action to address the issue and prevent potential hazards.
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Know when to call an electrician
Electrical issues can be dangerous and intimidating, and it is always better to have a trained professional assess the situation. While some problems may not warrant calling an electrician, such as a loose plug, other issues indicate that an electrician's services are needed.
If you notice any signs of electrical deterioration, such as physical damage (cracks, dents, or structural issues) or environmental damage (exposure to moisture, extreme temperatures, or corrosive substances), call an electrician. These issues can lead to a higher risk of short circuits and electrical fires, so it is crucial to address them promptly.
Additionally, if you observe any of the following, contact an electrician:
- Burning smells, discoloured or charred outlets, or smoke coming from electrical fixtures.
- Sparks, especially from an appliance fixture or electrical breaker.
- Flickering or dimming lights, which could indicate an insufficient electrical setup.
- Circuit breakers that keep tripping, which could be due to faulty wiring or a failing circuit breaker.
- Buzzing in the walls, which could indicate a wiring issue.
- Moisture or water around outlets, switches, or other electrical components, which poses an electrical shock hazard.
In an electrical emergency, such as a potential electrical fire or someone being electrocuted, contact emergency services immediately and then seek the assistance of a certified electrician.
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Frequently asked questions
Locate your electrical panel or fuse box and identify the tripped breaker.
Turn off and unplug everything in the area controlled by the tripped breaker.
If the breaker trips again with nothing plugged in, it is likely a short circuit. If the breaker holds, start plugging things in one by one to identify the culprit.
Avoid plugging too many high-power appliances into the same circuit. Distribute the electrical load across multiple sockets.
Unplug appliances when not in use to prevent them from generating heat. Regularly clean appliances with condensers to prevent overheating.
