Power Keeps Tripping? Our Guide To An Annoying Problem

Power keeps tripping and leaving you in the dark—literally? It’s one of those household quirks that can range from mildly annoying to downright disruptive. Imagine settling down to watch your favorite show or cook a meal, and suddenly, zap, the lights are out, the oven’s off, and you’re left scratching your head. While it might seem like a small hiccup, a tripping power supply often points to a bigger issue.

Common culprits include overloaded circuits (hello, power-hungry gadgets!), faulty appliances, or wiring problems. Sometimes, even a single rainy day can trigger a trip if water sneaks into outdoor sockets. And here’s the thing: electricity is no joke. While resetting your switchboard may seem straightforward, messing with electrical systems is risky business. We have prepared a handy guide for what to do if your power keeps tripping, but please remember that it’s always safest to call us to help you when your power keeps tripping.

What Happens When Your Power Trips?

When your power trips, it means that the electrical system in your home has detected something unsafe and has automatically cut off the power supply to prevent damage or hazards. This usually happens when there’s an overload, a short circuit, or a ground fault in the system. The circuit breaker or fuse in your fuse box “trips” as a protective measure, instantly stopping the flow of electricity to the affected area. This can cause your lights to flicker or go out, and appliances to stop working. While it’s often a safety feature, it can be a sign of an underlying problem that needs attention. It’s essential not to ignore these trips, as repeated issues could indicate something more serious, like faulty wiring or a malfunctioning appliance. If the power continues to trip, it’s best to have a licensed electrician like P Herman & Co investigate the cause.

What are Some Common Reasons My Power Keeps Tripping?

If your fuse box keeps tripping, it’s usually a sign that something isn’t quite right with your electrical system.

1. Blown Fuses

A blown fuse is one of the most common reasons your power may trip, and it’s something that can happen when there’s a sudden surge or overload in the electrical circuit. Fuses are designed as safety devices to protect your home’s wiring and appliances from excessive electrical currents that could cause damage or even start a fire. Essentially, a fuse contains a thin wire that melts when the current passing through it exceeds a certain limit, cutting off the flow of electricity to prevent further damage.

2. Overloaded Circuits

Overloaded outlets are one of the most common reasons power keeps tripping, and they are often the result of too many devices drawing power from the same outlet or circuit. It might seem convenient to plug in multiple appliances at once, especially with power boards and extension cords, but doing so can put a strain on your electrical system, leading to safety hazards and frequent power interruptions.

Each electrical circuit in your home is designed to handle a certain amount of current, typically measured in amps. When too many devices are plugged into an outlet or circuit, the combined electrical demand can exceed the circuit’s capacity. This can happen when high-power devices, like air conditioners, space heaters, or kitchen appliances (such as toasters and microwaves), are plugged into the same circuit as other everyday electronics. When the total current drawn surpasses what the circuit can safely handle, the circuit breaker or fuse trips to prevent overheating and potential damage to your wiring or appliances.

One of the most common examples of this happens during the holiday season, when we tend to plug in multiple strings of lights, decorations, and other electronics into the same outlet. While it might seem harmless, all of these devices can easily overload a single circuit, causing the breaker to trip and cut off the power.

Another reason outlets become overloaded is the use of extension cords and power boards. Many people rely on these to create more outlets when there are too few in a room, but they also tend to be misused. Some people plug multiple power boards into one outlet or connect several high-power devices to the same extension cord. Power boards are not designed to handle excessive amounts of current, and overloading them can cause the board to overheat, potentially starting a fire, or trip the breaker to protect your home.

If you find that you are constantly tripping the breaker because of overloaded outlets, it’s time to take action. Try spreading your appliances out across different outlets or circuits to prevent overloading one specific area. Additionally, consider using higher-quality, heavy-duty power boards that come with built-in overload protection. But, if the problem persists, it could be a sign of a deeper electrical issue, such as faulty wiring or an undersized circuit for your home’s needs. In these cases, it’s critical to call a licensed electrician, like our team at P Herman & Co who can assess your electrical system and make sure it’s up to code and working safely.

3. Loose Wiring

Loose wiring is a serious and often overlooked issue that can cause power to trip in your home, and it’s one that should never be ignored. When wiring becomes loose or damaged, it disrupts the flow of electricity, creating unsafe conditions that can lead to frequent power trips, electrical shorts, or even fires.

Wiring is the backbone of your electrical system, carrying electricity from your circuit panel to your outlets, lights, and appliances. Over time, the connections between wires can loosen, whether due to natural wear and tear, age, poor installation, or physical damage to the wiring. This can cause a variety of electrical problems, including power trips.

One of the main ways loose wiring causes power to trip is by creating an inconsistent flow of electricity. When wires are not securely connected, they may make intermittent contact, causing a fluctuation in the current. This can lead to electrical surges or sudden short circuits, which can trigger the circuit breaker or fuse to trip in order to protect your home from further damage. For example, if a loose connection in your wiring causes a short circuit, the circuit breaker will trip to stop the flow of electricity and prevent overheating or even sparks that could lead to a fire.

In addition to electrical surges and short circuits, loose wiring can also create hot spots. These are areas where the electrical current struggles to flow through the loose connection, causing the wiring to heat up. If this heat is not properly dissipated, it can damage the surrounding insulation or even melt the wires themselves, creating the potential for a serious fire hazard. This is why it’s essential to have your electrical system inspected if you notice that your power is tripping regularly. A loose connection can worsen over time, and what might start as a minor inconvenience can quickly escalate into a dangerous situation.

Loose wiring is not only a concern in older homes, either. Even newly built homes can suffer from wiring issues if the installation was done improperly or if the wires were not secured correctly during construction. This is why it’s so important to trust a licensed electrician to check your system if your power keeps tripping. We have the tools and expertise to identify loose wiring, fix the issue, and ensure that your home’s electrical system is working safely and effectively.

If you’ve already checked for overloaded outlets and faulty appliances, and your power is still tripping, loose wiring could be the underlying cause. Don’t try to fix this on your own—loose wiring can be incredibly dangerous, and handling it without the proper training can result in injury or worse. Instead, call us to inspect your wiring and ensure that your electrical system is safe, secure, and up to code.

P Herman & Co wants to remind you that electricity is dangerous and can be lethal. Only licenced, experienced electricians should engage in electrical work.

Things To Do When Your Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping

If your circuit breaker keeps tripping, it’s not just an inconvenience—it’s a sign that something in your electrical system needs attention. While the breaker is designed to protect your home from dangerous situations, it’s important to investigate the cause of the issue. Here are a few steps you can take to figure out what’s going on:

1. Check for a Short Circuit

One of the most common reasons for a tripping circuit breaker is a short circuit. This happens when a live wire comes into contact with a neutral wire or the ground, creating a direct path for the electricity to flow, often resulting in a sudden surge of current. If you notice that the breaker trips when you plug in certain appliances or turn on a specific outlet, there may be a short circuit in that part of the wiring. If you’re comfortable doing so, you can unplug all devices in the affected area and reset the breaker. If it trips again immediately, it’s time to call us to inspect the wiring for faults.

2. Investigate for a Circuit Overload

Another common cause of tripped breakers is an overloaded circuit. This happens when too many appliances or devices are drawing power from the same circuit, exceeding its designed capacity. To check for this, look at what devices are plugged in and consider whether the circuit might be overloaded. High-power appliances, such as heaters, toasters, or air conditioners, can quickly cause an overload if they’re all running at once on the same circuit. To prevent further trips, try unplugging some devices or moving them to different outlets. If the breaker still trips, it may be necessary to redistribute your load or consult an with our electricians to upgrade your switchboard.

3. Call an Electrician to Check for an Earth Fault

If the circuit breaker continues to trip after you’ve checked for short circuits and overloads, the issue may be more complex. An earth fault could be the cause, which occurs when electricity escapes the normal circuit and travels through the ground or another unintended path. This is particularly dangerous, as it can lead to electric shocks or even fires. Earth faults often arise from damaged wiring or faulty appliances. If you suspect an earth fault, do not attempt to fix it yourself. It’s crucial to call a licensed electrician, like our team at P Herman & Co who can safely inspect and repair the fault, ensuring that your electrical system is secure and functioning correctly.

Remember, a tripped circuit breaker is your electrical system’s way of warning you of a potential issue. While resetting the breaker may restore power temporarily, it’s important to address the underlying cause to prevent further problems and ensure the safety of your home. If you’re ever unsure or unable to identify the issue, always reach out to a professional electrician, like our team at P Herman & Co.

Is It a Fire Hazard If the Breaker Keeps Tripping?

If your circuit breaker keeps tripping, it could be a sign of an underlying issue that might put your home at risk for an electrical fire. While the breaker is designed to protect you by shutting off the power when something goes wrong, repeatedly tripping could indicate a serious electrical fault that requires immediate attention.

You can easily prevent electrical fires in your home by staying alert to warning signs and taking action before a small issue turns into a dangerous fire risk. Here are some key signs that your home might be in danger of an electrical fire:

• Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping:

If your circuit breaker frequently trips, it’s trying to protect your electrical system from an overload or short circuit. Over time, this constant tripping can signal that the wiring or appliances are compromised and may lead to overheating, which can trigger a fire.

• Persisting Burnt Smell with No Identifiable Source:

If you notice a burnt odor in your home, especially if it doesn’t seem to come from any specific appliance or area, it could mean that wiring or an outlet is overheating. This smell is a red flag that something in your electrical system is struggling to handle the current, and it’s time to have it inspected.

• Discolored or Charred Outlets and Switches:

Outlets or switches that appear discolored or charred are major red flags. This discoloration usually occurs when the wiring inside has overheated, which could potentially lead to an electrical fire if left untreated.

If you experience any of these warning signs, don’t delay in calling a licensed electrician to inspect your system. Electrical fires can start quietly but spread quickly, and prevention is always better than dealing with the aftermath.

One of the best ways to avoid electrical hazards in your home is to schedule an annual electrical safety check. Our team can thoroughly inspect your system for potential issues like faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, or other hidden problems. Regular safety checks help ensure that your electrical system is working properly and safely, giving you peace of mind and reducing the risk of fires.

Why Does My Power Keep Tripping With Nothing Plugged In?

If your circuit breaker keeps tripping, even when there’s nothing plugged into the outlets, it can be particularly frustrating and confusing. While it might seem like there’s no obvious reason for the breaker to trip, this issue is usually a sign of an underlying problem with your electrical system that needs immediate attention.

Here are a few common reasons why your power keeps tripping with nothing plugged in:

1. Faulty Circuit Breaker

Sometimes, the breaker itself is the problem. If the circuit breaker is old or worn out, it might trip even when there’s no overload or fault in the system. Over time, breakers can become less reliable, and they may start tripping at lower currents than they are supposed to. If you suspect the breaker is faulty, it’s best to have it replaced by a licensed electrician.

2. Short Circuit in the Wiring

Even without any devices plugged in, a short circuit in the wiring could be causing your breaker to trip. A short circuit happens when the hot wire (live wire) comes into contact with the neutral or ground wire, creating a direct path for electricity to flow. This can occur anywhere in your home’s electrical system, including inside the walls, junction boxes, or even at the breaker panel itself. If you suspect a short circuit, it’s important to call a professional to inspect your wiring and resolve the issue.

3. Ground Fault

A ground fault occurs when the electricity flows through an unintended path, such as a grounded surface or the metal casing of an appliance. Even when nothing is plugged in, a ground fault can still trip your breaker if the wiring is damaged or exposed. Ground faults are particularly dangerous because they can cause electrical shocks, so it’s important to have an electrician check your system if you suspect this is the cause.

4. Overloaded Breaker Panel

If your electrical panel is old or overburdened, it could be tripping breakers even if nothing is plugged in. This happens when the electrical panel cannot handle the combined load of all the circuits, causing the breaker to trip for no obvious reason. An overloaded panel can result from having too many circuits or appliances connected, and it might need an upgrade to handle your home’s electrical demand properly.

5. Wiring Issues or Loose Connections

Loose or damaged wiring connections, especially in the breaker panel or along the circuits, can also cause intermittent power issues. If the wires are not securely connected, they can create electrical faults that cause the breaker to trip. This is another reason why regular maintenance and checks by a professional are essential to ensure your system is running smoothly.

If your breaker continues to trip despite nothing being plugged in, it’s crucial to have a licensed electrician inspect your electrical system. While it may be tempting to keep resetting the breaker, doing so without addressing the underlying issue can lead to further damage or even fire hazards. A professional will be able to diagnose the problem accurately and fix it before it turns into a bigger, more dangerous issue. We provide obligation free quotes and are happy to discuss your needs when we come out to assess why your power keeps tripping.

Tips for Preventing Tripped Breakers

A tripped breaker is an inconvenience that can disrupt your day and signal an underlying electrical issue. However, there are several simple steps you can take when your power keeps tripping to keep your electrical system running smoothly. Here are some tips to help reduce the risk of tripped breakers in your home:

1. Avoid Overloading Circuits

One of the most common causes of tripped breakers is overloading a circuit. Each circuit in your home is designed to handle a specific load, and exceeding that limit can cause the breaker to trip. Avoid plugging too many high-power devices into the same outlet or circuit, such as space heaters, air conditioners, and kitchen appliances. Consider redistributing devices across different outlets or circuits to balance the load.

2. Use Power Boards Wisely

While power boards can help expand the number of available outlets, they can also lead to circuit overloads if used improperly. Avoid plugging multiple power boards into the same outlet, as this can create an overload that trips the breaker. Additionally, make sure the power board is rated for the appliances you plan to use, and never daisy-chain multiple boards together. Always check that the power board has built-in overload protection.

3. Regularly Inspect Your Appliances

Faulty or malfunctioning appliances can draw excessive power, leading to a tripped breaker. Regularly inspect your electrical appliances for signs of damage, such as frayed cords, scorch marks, or unusual smells. If an appliance is causing your breaker to trip, it may need to be repaired or replaced. If you notice an appliance repeatedly trips the breaker, unplug it and consult a licensed electrician.

4. Schedule Regular Electrical Safety Checks

Electrical systems wear down over time, and issues can arise that are not immediately obvious. Booking an annual electrical safety check with a licensed electrician will help identify potential problems before they lead to a tripped breaker or more serious issues. An electrician can inspect your wiring, outlets, circuit breakers, and appliances to ensure everything is up to code and functioning safely.

5. Update Your Electrical System if Necessary

If you live in an older home with outdated wiring or a small electrical panel, it may be time for an upgrade. Older systems may not be able to handle the increased electrical demand of modern appliances and technology. Consider consulting with us about upgrading your switchboard panel, adding more circuits, or replacing outdated wiring to prevent overloading and tripped breakers.

6. Check for Loose Wiring or Faulty Connections

Loose wiring or faulty connections in your electrical system can also cause breakers to trip. Over time, connections can become worn or damaged, leading to short circuits or electrical faults. If you suspect an issue with your wiring, it’s essential to have a licensed electrician perform an inspection and address any problems before they cause further damage. Contact us to organise an inspection today.

7. Reset Breakers Properly

If a breaker trips, make sure to reset it properly. Flip the breaker all the way to the “off” position before switching it back on. This ensures that the breaker is properly reset and can handle the load. If the breaker trips again immediately, it’s a sign that there’s a more serious problem in the system that needs professional attention.

By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of tripped breakers in your home. A proactive approach to electrical safety not only helps avoid disruptions but also ensures that your electrical system is running efficiently and safely. If you’re ever unsure about a tripped breaker or suspect an underlying issue because your power keeps tripping, don’t hesitate to contact us to inspect your system.