What To Do if Your Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping

A tripped circuit breaker can throw off your entire day. One minute you’re running the dishwasher, microwave, and coffee maker. And the next thing you know, the power’s out in half the house. While resetting the breaker might get things running again, repeated trips are a warning sign you shouldn’t ignore. They can point to deeper electrical problems that pose serious safety risks.

In this guide, we’ll break down the most common causes of a tripping circuit breaker, safe troubleshooting steps you can take at home, and when it’s time to call in a licensed electrician. We’ll also explain how a home warranty from ARW Home can help cover the cost of electrical repairs, so you’re not left footing the bill for a faulty panel or aging system.

Common Reasons Circuit Breakers Trip

Circuit breakers are designed to protect your home by shutting off power when something goes wrong. Here are some of the most common causes of why they might trip:

• Overloaded circuits
  This happens when too many appliances are drawing power from the same circuit. For example, plugging in a space heater, hairdryer, and curling iron on the same outlet can easily overload the system.
  
  
• Short circuits
  A short occurs when a hot wire touches a neutral wire. This can happen due to faulty wiring, damaged insulation, or a loose connection, and it causes a sudden spike in current that trips the breaker.
  
  
• Ground faults
  Similar to a short circuit, a ground fault happens when a hot wire comes into contact with a grounded part of the electrical system (like a metal outlet box or appliance frame). It’s dangerous and can lead to electric shock or fire.
  
  
• Faulty appliances
  Sometimes, the problem isn’t your wiring, it’s the appliance itself. An aging air conditioner or a damaged toaster can cause surges that trip the breaker.

DIY Troubleshooting Steps You Can Try First

Not every tripped breaker means you need to panic or call a professional. Often, it's just the system doing its job to protect your home from overload. Here are a few safe steps you can try:

1. Unplug everything on the affected circuit.
   Start by disconnecting all devices and appliances connected to the tripped breaker. If you’re not sure which items are on the same line, begin with anything that was running when the breaker flipped, like a hair dryer, space heater, or toaster oven.
   
   
2. Check the breaker panel
   Locate your electrical panel and look for a breaker switch that’s sitting in the middle position or fully “off.” Don’t just push it up; flip it fully to “off” first, then back to “on.” This ensures the mechanism resets properly.
   
   
3. Redistribute electrical load
   Many trips happen because too many high-wattage items share a single circuit. Try moving appliances around. For example, avoid plugging the microwave, coffee maker, and toaster all into the same kitchen outlet, or running the vacuum cleaner while a space heater is on.
   
   
4. Inspect cords and outlets
   Look closely at plugs, extension cords, and outlets. Frayed wires, cracked insulation, scorch marks, or a faint burning smell are red flags. Unplug and stop using anything that looks damaged until it can be replaced.
   
   
5. Test appliances one at a time
   After resetting the breaker, plug in and turn on each appliance individually. If the breaker trips again only when a specific item is used, like the old microwave or a portable heater, that appliance is likely the culprit.

Important: If the breaker trips again with nothing plugged in, if you notice scorch marks, or if you smell burning around outlets or the panel, stop troubleshooting and call a licensed electrician immediately. These signs point to a wiring issue that requires professional attention.

When to Call a Licensed Electrician

Some electrical issues go beyond what’s safe to handle yourself. Contact a professional if:

• The breaker trips repeatedly, even after unplugging appliances.
• You notice a burning smell, buzzing sounds, or visible damage to outlets or the panel.
• Your lights flicker or dim regularly.
• The breaker panel is warm to the touch.

If the breaker keeps tripping due to a deeper wiring issue or a failing panel, repairs can range from a few hundred dollars for an individual breaker to over $519–$2,145 for a full panel replacement, according to HomeAdvisor.

The Risks of Ignoring a Tripping Breaker

If a breaker trips once and never again, it might not be cause for concern. But frequent trips can signal serious safety issues:

• Fire hazard: Electrical faults are among the top causes of home fires,  accounting for about 13% of U.S. structure fires, per NFPA.
• Appliance damage: Power surges and repeated shutoffs can shorten the lifespan of your electronics and appliances.
• Higher repair bills: Delaying a repair could turn a $200 fix into a $2,000 replacement.

How a Home Warranty Helps with Electrical Repairs

An electrical system warranty from ARW Home includes coverage for key electrical components, including wiring, outlets, breaker boxes, and circuit panels. Here’s how it works:

• When something breaks, you file a claim online or by phone.
• A licensed electrician is dispatched to assess the issue.
• You pay a flat service fee, and ARW Home covers the rest, as long as the issue falls under your plan.

Electrical work is expensive, service calls alone average $163 to $536, and major repairs can cost much more. With electrical system warranty coverage, you get peace of mind knowing you won’t be hit with surprise bills when something goes wrong.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Why does my circuit breaker keep tripping immediately?

It could be a short circuit, ground fault, or an overloaded line. If it trips instantly every time you reset it, stop using the circuit and call a professional.

Can I fix a tripping breaker myself?

You can reset the breaker and unplug appliances, but don’t try to repair wiring or panels unless you’re a licensed electrician.

Do home warranties cover electrical issues?

Yes, ARW Home’s plans cover many electrical components, including circuit breakers, panels, outlets, and switches.

How much does it cost to repair or replace a breaker box?

If you're looking to address a breaker box problem with a replacement, it can cost between $519 and $2,145, depending on the size of your home and the age of the system.

What is the cost to replace a circuit breaker?

Replacing a standard circuit breaker switch typically costs $100 to $260, while installing or adding a new circuit breaker can run $150 to $300, depending on amperage, circuit complexity, and labor. 

What appliances are most likely to overload a circuit?

Space heaters, microwaves, window AC units, hair dryers, and vacuum cleaners are all high-wattage and commonly trip breakers if used together.

Protect Your Home from Electrical Surprises

A tripping breaker may seem like a small issue, but it can be a sign of a bigger electrical problem. Whether it’s faulty wiring or an overloaded circuit, you shouldn’t have to handle it alone or pay out of pocket.

Explore ARW's Home warranty electrical coverage options and protect your home from the shock of unexpected repair bills.

Learn more about what ARW Home covers