Home / Guides

Guide ยท Los Angeles

Why your breaker keeps tripping

A breaker that trips is doing its job: it cuts power before a circuit overheats. When it happens again and again, something on that circuit needs attention.

1. Too much load on one circuit

The most common cause. A space heater, microwave, kettle, hair dryer or window AC can each draw a large share of a 15A or 20A circuit. Run two at once and the breaker trips. Try moving one appliance to an outlet on a different circuit.

2. A faulty appliance or cord

If the breaker trips the moment one device is plugged in or switched on, the device is the likely problem. Unplug everything on the circuit, reset the breaker, then plug items back in one at a time.

3. A short circuit or ground fault

If the breaker trips with nothing plugged in, or trips instantly when reset, there may be a fault in the wiring, an outlet or a switch. Stop resetting it and have an electrician look.

4. A worn or failing breaker

Breakers wear out. A breaker that trips under light loads, feels hot, or won't stay reset may need replacing. Some older panel brands have known breaker problems.

What you can check safely

Note which outlets and lights go dead when it trips. Unplug heavy appliances. Look and smell for heat, scorch marks or burning plastic at outlets. Never open the panel cover.

When to call an electrician

When it trips with nothing plugged in, when you smell burning, when an outlet or the panel feels warm, or when it keeps happening after you spread out the load.

Questions

Is it dangerous if a breaker keeps tripping?

The breaker is protecting you, but repeated tripping means a circuit is overloaded or has a fault. Fixing the cause is safer than repeatedly resetting it.

Can I replace a breaker myself?

Working inside a panel is dangerous even with the main off, because the service wires stay live. Have a licensed electrician do it.

Why does it trip only when the AC runs?

The AC may be on an undersized circuit, the breaker may be worn, or the AC's compressor may have a problem. An electrician can measure the draw.

Related services

More guides

Updated 2026-10-19. General information only, not a substitute for an inspection by a licensed electrician.