If a circuit breaker keeps tripping, it’s doing its job; shutting power off before wiring overheats. Below we explain the most common reasons a breaker trips, what you can safely check, and when to call a licensed electrician.

Quick safety checklist (do this first)

• Unplug or switch off the devices on that circuit.
• Reset the breaker correctly: push fully to OFF, then to ON
• If it trips again immediately, or you smell burning, see scorch marks, or hear buzzing, stop and call an electrician.

What a Breaker Protects Against

A breaker trips to prevent damage from:

• Overload (too much current)

• Short circuits (hot touching neutral/hot)

• Ground faults (hot touching ground; often handled by GFCI)

• Arc faults (sparking from damaged wiring; handled by AFCI)

5 common causes of a tripped circuit breaker

1) Overloaded circuit

Symptoms: Trips after you run multiple high-draw appliances.
Usual culprits: Space heaters, hair dryers, microwaves, toasters, portable A/Cs, vacuums, window A/Cs, especially on older 15A general-purpose circuits.
Fix: Spread loads across different circuits. Consider dedicated circuits for kitchens, laundry, and workshop equipment.

2) Short circuit

Symptoms: Instant trip, a pop, possible spark, or a burnt smell.
Causes: Damaged cords, crushed/stapled cable, loose connections in outlets or light fixtures, failed motors.
Fix: This needs diagnosis with a meter. Do not keep resetting. Call a pro.

3) Ground fault / GFCI trip

Symptoms: GFCI outlet or breaker won’t reset, or trips in damp locations (bath, kitchen, garage, outdoors).
Causes: Moisture intrusion, appliance faults, damaged extension cords outdoors.
Fix: Let things dry, inspect cords/appliances. If a GFCI still won’t reset or trips again, call us.

4) Arc fault / AFCI trip

Symptoms: Nuisance-seeming trips, often when a device starts up or a cord is jiggled.
Causes: Damaged or aging wiring, loose outlets, nicked conductors, or cords under rugs/furniture.
Fix: We test the circuit and connections. AFCIs reduce fire risk. Don’t bypass them.

5) Loose connections or a failing breaker

Symptoms: Breaker feels warm, panel buzzes, lights flicker when appliances start, or the same breaker trips under light load.
Causes: Loose terminations, corroded bus stabs, or an aging/bad breaker.
Fix: Tighten/repair/replace components after inspection. Sometimes a panel upgrade is the right long-term solution.

When to call a licensed electrician (Metropolis, IL & nearby)

Call us if you notice any of the following:

• The same breaker trips repeatedly, or trips immediately after reset.

• Burning odor, scorch marks, warm breakers, or buzzing/humming from the panel.

• GFCI/AFCI won’t reset or trips again with nothing plugged in.

• Main breaker trips, or whole-home lights dim/flicker with appliance startup.

• Water exposure (flooding, roof leak into panel, outdoor outlets after heavy rain).

• You’re relying on power strips and daisy-chained extension cords to make things work.

Need help today?

If your breaker keeps tripping in Southern Illinois or Western Kentucky, we can diagnose the root cause and fix it right.