What Causes Circuit Breakers to Trip Off

How to Identify the Cause of a Tripping Circuit Breaker

How to Identify the Cause of a Tripping Circuit Breaker
Electrical Question: I have one circuit breaker that keeps tripping off.

• I tried to fix it with a new breaker.
• Where do I go from here.
• This is a problem with just one circuit.

This electrical question came from: Robert, a Handyman from Marlton, New Jersey

See more about Home Wiring for New Jersey

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Robert

Solving the Problem of a Tripping Circuit Breaker

Why Circuit Breakers Trip Off
Robert, circuit breakers rarely go bad and the majority of the time a tripping circuit breaker is due to a fault within the circuit or a problem with a device or equipment that is connected to the circuit.
Testing Electrical Circuits

• The beast way to find out if the circuit breaker is bad is to test the circuit. Typically if a circuit breaker trips off immediately after resetting it then this is a very good indication that there is a direct short within the electrical circuit.
• There are times when after resetting the breaker that it will make a humming sound and then trip off, which is typically caused by a motor or some device that is connected to the circuit that is trying to start but for some reason the device is not functioning properly.

RESOURCES

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Understanding Electrical Testers

When working on home electrical wiring using voltage testers can play an important part in electrical safety. Electrical testers enable you to identify electrical circuits and help prevent the possibility of accidental electrical shock.
Types of Electrical Testers
Using Electrical Testers

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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tip The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wiring! The Non-Contact Electrical Tester This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester, [amazon.com], I use for the detection of Standard Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

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Home Electrical Wiring and Electrical Repairs Please Note: Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects: Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor. Electrical Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter. Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area. Precaution: Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring. Important: Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and National Electrical Codes, with a permit and be inspected.

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