A breaker tripping once is the system doing its job. A breaker that keeps tripping is a message. Here's how our electrical repair team reads it.
Overloaded circuit
The most common cause. Too many devices on one circuit — space heaters, hair dryers and window AC units are frequent culprits. Move loads to another circuit or have a dedicated circuit installed.
Short circuit
A hot wire touching neutral or ground. The breaker trips instantly, sometimes with a pop. Common in damaged cords, failed switches and water-exposed boxes. Leave it off and call.
Ground fault
Current leaking to ground, often in kitchens, bathrooms and outdoors. GFCI breakers and outlets trip for this reason, and they are doing you a favor.
A worn-out breaker
Breakers do fail, particularly in older panels found across Central Falls, Bristol and Westerly. A breaker that trips under no load or won't reset needs replacement.
When it's an emergency
If the breaker is hot, smells burnt, buzzes, or trips immediately when reset, treat it as an emergency electrician call. Don't keep resetting it. Call (888) 633-7804 any hour.