If your circuit breaker keeps tripping, it can be frustrating. One minute everything is working, then the house goes dark again.
Flipping the breaker back on may fix the problem for a short time, but if it keeps happening, something else is going on. In many Long Island homes, especially older ones, repeated breaker trips are common and usually point to an electrical issue that needs attention.
Here’s what causes a tripped circuit breaker, what you can safely check yourself, and when it’s time to call an electrician.
What a Circuit Breaker Actually Does
A circuit breaker protects your home.
When too much electricity flows through a wire, the breaker shuts the power off. This prevents wires from overheating and helps reduce the risk of electrical fires.
If the breaker trips once and stays on after resetting, it may have done its job. But if the breaker keeps tripping, it means the problem hasn’t been fixed.
Common Reasons a Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping
Too Many Things on One Circuit
This is the most common cause.
Each circuit can only handle a certain amount of electricity. When too many devices run at the same time, the breaker shuts off power.
This often happens when using:
- Space heaters
- Microwaves
- Hair dryers
- Coffee makers
- Window air conditioners
If several of these are plugged into the same area, the circuit can overload.
A Short Circuit
A short circuit happens when two wires touch where they shouldn’t. This creates a sudden surge of electricity.
Signs of a short circuit include:
- The breaker trips immediately
- You smell burning
- Outlets look dark or scorched
- A popping sound when the breaker trips
Short circuits are serious and should be checked by a licensed electrician right away.
Ground Fault Problems
Ground faults are common in areas with moisture.
They often occur in:
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Basements
- Garages
- Outdoor outlets
If water gets into an outlet or wiring, the breaker may trip to stop electricity from flowing where it shouldn’t.
If the breaker trips when you use something near water, the issue may involve damaged wiring or faulty electrical outlets.
A Problem with an Appliance
Sometimes the electrical system isn’t the issue at all.
An appliance with internal damage can cause a tripped circuit breaker every time it’s used. This may include older microwaves, space heaters, or portable air conditioners.
If the breaker trips only when one appliance runs, unplug it and stop using it until it’s checked.
An Older Electrical Panel
Many Long Island homes were built before today’s power demands existed.
Older electrical panels were not designed for:
- Multiple TVs
- Computers
- Charging stations
- Modern kitchen appliances
If your breaker keeps tripping in several areas of the home, the issue may be the electrical panel itself. A professional inspection of your electrical panels can determine whether repairs or upgrades are needed.
Is It Dangerous If a Breaker Keeps Tripping?
One trip from an overload usually isn’t dangerous. Repeated tripping is different.
Ongoing electrical breaker tripping can point to:
- Overheated wiring
- Loose connections
- Worn insulation
- Fire risk inside the walls
If the breaker won’t stay on or trips often, it’s safest not to keep resetting it.
What You Can Safely Check Yourself
You can do a few simple checks without touching wiring or opening panels.
You can safely:
- Unplug everything on the circuit
- Reset the breaker once
- Plug items back in slowly
- Check for damaged cords
- Make sure outlets aren’t loose or cracked
If the breaker trips again, stop there. Repeated resets won’t fix the problem
When to Call an Electrician
Call a professional if:
- The breaker keeps tripping
- The breaker trips immediately after resetting
- You smell burning
- Outlets feel warm
- The lights flicker often
- Power goes out in multiple rooms
Professional Help for Breaker Problems
When a breaker keeps tripping, the only way to fix it properly is to find the cause.
Universe Home Services provides professional circuit breaker service to diagnose overloads, wiring issues, and panel problems safely.
Our licensed electricians also offer full electrical services, including inspections, repairs, and upgrades that help keep your home protected.
Instead of guessing, professional testing pinpoints the exact issue so it can be repaired correctly.
Why Long Island Homeowners Choose Universe Home Services
For more than 65 years, Universe Home Services has helped homeowners stay safe and comfortable.
Our team provides:
- Highly trained and certified technicians
- Fast response times
- Honest recommendations
- Quality workmanship
- Extended warranties
- Financing options with approved credit
If your circuit breaker keeps tripping, don’t ignore it. Universe Home Services is here to help identify the issue and restore safe, reliable power to your home.
Contact us today to schedule electrical service and get peace of mind back in your home.
