Why Your Breaker Keeps Tripping and What to Do About It

If your circuit breaker keeps tripping, you're not alone. It's one of the most common electrical issues homeowners face. While it may seem like a minor inconvenience, a frequently tripping breaker is often a sign of an underlying electrical problem that shouldn’t be ignored.

At Selkirk Electric, we believe in educating homeowners so you can stay safe and make smart decisions. Here’s a breakdown of why breakers trip, what it means for your home, and what you can do about it.

What Is a Circuit Breaker and Why Does It Trip?

Your circuit breaker is a safety device designed to shut off power when there’s too much current flowing through a circuit. This prevents overheating, fires, and damage to your electrical system. When it “trips,” it’s doing its job — but if it’s happening often, something needs attention.

Top 3 Reasons Your Breaker Keeps Tripping

1. Circuit Overload

What it is: More electrical demand on a circuit than it can handle.

Common causes:

• Too many devices plugged into one outlet or power strip
• High-power appliances running on the same circuit (like a microwave and toaster)
• Extension cords overused in one area

What to do:

• Unplug some devices and distribute the load across other outlets.
• Avoid daisy-chaining power strips.
• Have an electrician assess your home’s circuit capacity.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re running multiple large appliances in the same room, you may need a dedicated circuit.

2. Short Circuit

What it is: A short circuit happens when a hot (live) wire touches a neutral wire, causing a sudden surge of electricity.

Signs of a short circuit:

• Breaker trips immediately after resetting
• Burning smell or discoloration around outlets
• Buzzing sounds before the trip

What to do:

• Stop using the affected outlet or switch.
• Call a licensed electrician right away — short circuits are a fire hazard.

⚠️ Pro Tip: Never try to repair or inspect wiring yourself unless you’re qualified.

3. Ground Fault

What it is: Similar to a short circuit, but involves the hot wire touching a ground wire or a grounded part of a device. It’s especially common in kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas.

What to do:

• If you have GFCI outlets, press the “reset” button.
• If it keeps tripping, the outlet or wiring may need replacement.

💡 Pro Tip: GFCI outlets are required by code in wet areas — if your home doesn’t have them, it’s time to upgrade.

Other Possible Causes

• Faulty appliances – An internal short or loose wiring inside the appliance can trip the breaker.
• Worn out breakers – Older breakers can trip even under normal loads due to wear and tear.
• Outdated wiring – Older homes in North Idaho may not be equipped to handle modern power demands.

When to Call a Professional

If you’ve ruled out simple overloads and your breaker still trips:

✅ Don’t ignore the signs — Frequent tripping is often a symptom of deeper wiring issues.
✅ Don’t just reset it repeatedly — This increases the risk of overheating and electrical fires.
✅ Do call Selkirk Electric — We’ll diagnose the issue, upgrade your panel if needed, and ensure your home is safe and code-compliant.

How Selkirk Electric Can Help

We’ve helped hundreds of homeowners across Post Falls, Hayden, Coeur d’Alene, and greater North Idaho stay safe with updated electrical systems. Our services include:

• Electrical troubleshooting & repairs
• Breaker panel upgrades
• Home rewiring & circuit balancing
• GFCI installation & protection
• Safety inspections

Don’t Let a Tripping Breaker Disrupt Your Life

A breaker that constantly trips isn’t just annoying — it’s a warning sign. Let the experts at Selkirk Electric identify the cause and keep your home safe, functional, and future-ready.