Why Does My Breaker Keep Tripping?
A tripped breaker is your home’s safety system saying, “Something isn’t right.” Breakers trip for several reasons, including overloads, short circuits, ground faults, and simply aging over time. Recognizing the cause helps you determine whether it’s a simple fix or a job for a licensed electrician:
- Overloaded circuits: Too many devices drawing power on one line.
- Short circuits: Electrical current finds an unintended path, often causing sparks or flickering lights.
- Ground faults: Current flows outside the intended circuit, sometimes into a grounded object.
- Aging breakers: Like any mechanical device, breakers can wear out over time. Standard electrical breakers last 15-20 years, but as each trip causes wear, breakers that trip frequently will degrade more quickly.
How to Diagnose a Tripped Breaker
Start with safety: always turn off and unplug devices before touching your breaker panel. Documenting when and how often a breaker keeps tripping provides valuable information for troubleshooting or when you call in professional help. To diagnose the issue:
- Identify the tripped breaker: Look for the switch that isn’t aligned with the others.
- Reset carefully: Flip the breaker fully to the “off” position, then back “on.”
- Observe patterns: If it trips again immediately, it may indicate a persistent problem like a short circuit.
Circuit Breaker Replacement
If your breaker keeps tripping repeatedly or shows signs of damage, it’s important to call a local electrician right away. Electrical issues can be dangerous and should only be handled by licensed professionals. This is especially common in older Baltimore homes built before 1980. Milton Electric’s experienced electricians bring peace of mind by quickly diagnosing and resolving breaker problems, preventing further damage, and keeping your home or business safe. Professional electricians can:
- Inspect wiring and panel integrity.
- Replace old or faulty breakers.
- Identify hidden hazards.
- Ensure your electrical system meets safety codes.
Protect Your Home: Professional Circuit Breaker Repair Service You Can Trust
Don’t let tripping breakers disrupt your life or put your home at risk. With Milton Electric, you get fast, reliable service that keeps your electrical system running smoothly and prevents future problems. From troubleshooting persistent trips to replacing worn-out breakers, our licensed electricians handle every job efficiently and safely, giving you peace of mind and protecting your property.
Let’s stop the interruptions and make sure your power stays on when you need it most.
Experiencing Electrical Problems?
Licensed. Local. Ready to Help.
If something seems off or if you're planning electrical upgrades, don’t take chances. Calling a licensed electrician is the smartest way to protect your home, your investment, and your family.
At Milton Electric Company, we’ve proudly served Maryland homeowners for over 70 years. Our team understands the region’s codes, climate, and construction—because we live here, too.
Need help? Call Milton Electric today to schedule a trusted inspection or project consultation. We’re here to keep your home safe and powered for whatever’s next.