What causes a breaker to trip repeatedly?

A breaker that trips repeatedly is protecting your home from a dangerous electrical problem that needs immediate attention. The most common causes are overloaded circuits, short circuits, ground faults, or a failing breaker itself.

When a circuit breaker trips, it's doing its job - cutting power to prevent overheating, fires, or electrocution. If it keeps tripping after you reset it, don't keep resetting it. This indicates a persistent problem that could be dangerous.

Overloaded circuits are the most common cause, especially in older Ottawa homes with 15-amp circuits trying to handle modern electrical demands. If you're running a space heater, hair dryer, and microwave on the same circuit, you'll likely trip a 15-amp breaker. The solution is either redistributing the load or having an electrician install additional circuits. In Ottawa's older neighborhoods like the Glebe or Westboro, we frequently see homes where kitchen appliances are overloading circuits that were adequate in the 1960s but insufficient today.

Short circuits occur when hot and neutral wires touch, creating a dangerous surge of electricity. This can happen due to damaged wire insulation, loose connections, or faulty appliances. You might notice a burning smell, scorch marks around outlets, or hear a popping sound when the breaker trips. This is a serious fire hazard that requires immediate professional attention.

Ground fault issues happen when electricity finds an unintended path to ground, often through water or damaged wiring. GFCI breakers are especially sensitive to this and will trip to prevent electrocution. In Ottawa's climate, moisture infiltration in basements or outdoor circuits commonly causes ground faults, particularly during spring thaw or heavy rains.

Failing breakers can also cause repeated tripping. Older breakers, especially Federal Pacific or Zinsco panels common in 1970s Ottawa homes, may not trip reliably or may trip unnecessarily. These panels are known fire hazards and should be replaced immediately. Even standard breakers can wear out after 20-30 years of service.

Arc faults in newer homes with AFCI breakers can cause tripping when damaged wiring creates dangerous arcing conditions. While frustrating, these breakers are preventing house fires by detecting electrical arcs that standard breakers miss.

Under the Ontario Electrical Safety Code, investigating repeated breaker trips typically requires an ESA permit since it often involves circuit modifications or repairs. Never bypass a tripping breaker or use a higher-rated breaker - this removes the safety protection and creates a serious fire risk.

What you should do: First, unplug everything on the affected circuit and try resetting the breaker once. If it stays on, plug devices back in one at a time to identify what's causing the overload. If the breaker trips immediately when reset, or trips again without any load, stop resetting it and call a licensed electrician immediately. This indicates a short circuit or ground fault that poses immediate danger.

For persistent breaker tripping issues in Ottawa, Electrical Ottawa's ESA-licensed electricians can diagnose the problem safely and provide code-compliant solutions, whether that's circuit additions, panel upgrades, or emergency repairs.

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