Why does my breaker keep tripping?
The circuit may be carrying more than it was built for, like a space heater and a hair dryer on one bathroom circuit. A loose or damaged connection between the panel and the outlet can do it too, and so can a breaker that has worn out. We test before we replace anything, because a new breaker on an overloaded circuit trips the same way the old one did.
… He had to troubleshoot a poor connection somewhere between the breaker box and the HVAC system and ultimately replaced a breaker in the breaker box. …
Main breakers and older panels
The main breaker shuts off the whole house. When it fails, nothing in the house has power. In older panels, a matching replacement breaker can be hard to find, or the brand is no longer made. Then the right move is often a new panel, and we'll show you both options.
Amazing company!!! They responded quickly and handled everything as we were without power and couldn’t get a replacement main breaker due to our equipment being so old and recalled! The guys were professional and stayed until the job was done and power was restored. They updated everything and we couldn’t be happier with the service provided!! More than worth the five stars!!👍🏻👍🏻
Breakers that protect people
Some breakers do more than watch for overloads. A GFCI breaker shuts off when it senses current leaking to ground, which is why they protect bathrooms, kitchens, outdoor outlets, and hot tubs. An AFCI breaker shuts off when it senses the sparking of a damaged wire, and current code calls for them on most bedroom and living area circuits. When one of these trips, it's often pointing at a real problem on the circuit, so we track that down before resetting and leaving.
Matching the breaker to the panel and wire
A replacement breaker has to be the brand and type the panel is listed for, and the same size as the wire it protects. A bigger breaker on a small wire stops tripping because it no longer protects that wire, which is how wiring overheats. We match the breaker to the panel and the wire, tighten every connection on that circuit we touch, and test it with the circuit running before we leave.
When to call
Call if a breaker trips over and over, won't reset, is hot to the touch, smells like burning plastic, or if the lights dim when it trips. Leave the panel cover on. If you see smoke or flames, get everyone out and call 911. Rory O. hired us for several jobs at his place, including a 200 amp breaker:
… They installed a transfer switch, extended a water heater circuit, and are working to replace a 200 amp breaker switch. …