Breaker Keeps Tripping? Here’s What It Means (And What to Do)

Breaker Keeps Tripping? Here’s What It Means (And What to Do)

If your circuit breaker keeps tripping, you're not alone—and you're definitely not overreacting. It's a common issue for homeowners, but one that often signals a deeper electrical problem that shouldn’t be ignored.

In this post, we’ll break down:

• What a tripping breaker means

• The most common causes

• What you can do safely on your own

• When it's time to call a professional electrician

Whether you’re in Canton, Novi, Westland, Northville, Livonia or surrounding areas in Southeast Michigan, this guide will help you understand the issue and take the right steps to fix it—safely.

What Does It Mean When Your Breaker Keeps Tripping?

A circuit breaker is designed to protect your electrical system. When it "trips," it’s essentially shutting off power to a particular circuit to prevent overheating, fires, or equipment damage. So, while annoying, a tripping breaker is doing its job—it’s trying to keep you and your home safe.

But if it keeps happening, it usually means something’s wrong in the circuit.

7 Most Common Reasons Your Breaker Keeps Tripping

1. Overloaded Circuit

The most common cause of a breaker tripping is a circuit overload—too many devices or appliances drawing power on the same line.

Example: You plug in a space heater and start the microwave while the fridge is already running—all on one circuit.

What to do: Try unplugging one or two items and resetting the breaker. If it stays on, you may have just solved your issue.

2. Short Circuit

This is more serious. A short circuit happens when a hot wire comes into contact with a neutral wire. It creates a sudden surge of current that trips the breaker immediately.

Warning signs:

• A burning smell

• Scorch marks on outlets or cords

• A loud pop when it trips

Solution: Don’t try to fix this on your own. Call a licensed electrician right away.

3. Ground Fault

Similar to a short circuit, a ground fault happens when the hot wire touches the ground wire or the metal box. This can be especially dangerous in wet areas like bathrooms or kitchens.

Safety tip: Make sure you have GFCI outlets in all wet areas—these are designed to trip even faster to prevent shock.

4. Faulty Appliance

Sometimes, the issue lies in the device you’re plugging in—not your home wiring.

Test it: Plug the appliance into a different outlet on a different circuit. If it trips that breaker too, it’s likely a faulty appliance.

5. Worn Out Circuit Breaker

Breakers don’t last forever. If yours is old, it might be tripping due to age or wear—not necessarily because of a wiring issue.

What to look for:

• Breaker feels hot

• Doesn’t reset properly

• Trips randomly, even when nothing is plugged in

If you’re in Novi, Westland or surrounding areas, an experienced electrician like Emerald Electric can test the panel and replace the faulty breaker.

6. Loose or Damaged Wiring

Loose connections or damaged wires can cause intermittent power loss and tripping. This is a potential fire hazard and should be checked immediately.

7. AFCI Breaker Tripping

Newer homes often use AFCI breakers (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters). These detect electrical arcing and shut the circuit off to prevent fires. They can be sensitive and sometimes trip unnecessarily if not installed properly.

Can You Fix a Tripping Breaker Yourself?

Yes—to a point.

Here’s what you can do safely:

Action Safe for DIY? Notes

Unplugging devices ✅ Try to balance appliance load

Resetting a breaker ✅ Flip fully to OFF, then ON

Testing an appliance on another circuit ✅ Helps isolate the issue

Inspecting for obvious damage ✅ Look for scorch marks or melted outlets

Replacing breakers or wiring ❌ Call Emerald Electric (licensed electrician)

Important: If the breaker trips again immediately after resetting it, do not keep trying. That’s a strong sign of a short circuit or ground fault—both are fire risks.

When to Call a Licensed Electrician

If the problem persists after your initial checks, it’s time to call in a professional. A qualified electrician like Emerald Electric can:

• Use diagnostic tools to pinpoint the exact issue

• Replace damaged wiring or outlets

• Upgrade your panel if it’s outdated

• Install dedicated circuits to prevent overloads

• Add surge protection for your whole house

Many Michigan homes built before the 1990s are overdue for electrical upgrades. If you're constantly dealing with tripped breakers, flickering lights, or outdated fuse boxes, upgrading your system could be a smart move for both safety and resale value.

How Electricians Solve Tripping Breakers (Behind the Scenes)

Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at what a licensed electrician will do during a service call:

1. Breaker Panel Inspection
   They’ll check for signs of heat damage, corrosion, or poor installation.

2. Circuit Load Testing
   Using a clamp meter, they’ll measure how much current your devices are drawing and assess whether the circuit is overloaded.

3. Wiring & Outlet Checks
   Every outlet and switch is tested with voltage meters or outlet testers to find shorts, ground faults, or reverse polarity issues.

4. Appliance Isolation
   They’ll identify whether the issue is tied to one faulty appliance or device.

5. Repair or Replace Components
   From replacing a bad breaker to rewiring a circuit or installing AFCIs or GFCIs, they’ll handle it all safely.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Ignore a Tripping Breaker

It’s tempting to treat a breaker like a reset button—but repeated tripping is a red flag. While some causes are simple fixes, others can be dangerous if ignored.

If you live in Canton, Westland, Novi, Northville, Livonia, or surrounding areas, call a licensed local electrician (Emerald Electric) to inspect your system and keep your home safe. We’ll diagnose the issue, explain your options, and ensure your electrical system runs efficiently and safely.