Why Your Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping (And When to Call an Electrician)

Understanding Why Your Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping

If your circuit breaker keeps tripping, you're not alone—it's one of the most common electrical issues homeowners in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland face. While it might seem like an annoyance, a tripping breaker is actually your electrical system doing its job: protecting your home from electrical fires and damage.

How Circuit Breakers Protect Your Home

Your circuit breaker panel is the heart of your home's electrical system. Each breaker monitors the electrical current flowing through its circuit. When the current exceeds the breaker's rated capacity—typically 15 or 20 amps for most household circuits—the breaker "trips" and cuts power to prevent overheating wires that could cause a fire.

Common Causes of Tripping Circuit Breakers

1. Circuit Overload (Most Common)

The most frequent cause of a tripping breaker is simply too many devices drawing power from a single circuit. This is especially common in:

• Kitchens (multiple small appliances)
• Home offices (computers, monitors, printers)
• Bedrooms with space heaters
• Older Vancouver homes with limited circuits

Solution: Redistribute your electrical load across multiple circuits. Unplug some devices or use a different outlet on another circuit.

2. Short Circuit

A short circuit occurs when a hot wire touches a neutral wire or ground wire, causing a surge of current. Signs include:

• Burning smell near outlets or switches
• Visible burn marks or discoloration
• Breaker trips immediately upon reset

Warning: Short circuits are dangerous and require immediate professional attention. Don't keep resetting the breaker.

3. Ground Fault

Similar to a short circuit, a ground fault happens when a hot wire contacts a ground wire or metal outlet box. These are particularly common in:

• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Basements
• Outdoor areas

4. Arc Fault

Arc faults occur when loose or corroded connections create sparking (arcing). Many newer Vancouver homes have Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) that detect and prevent these dangerous conditions.

5. Faulty Breaker

Like any mechanical device, circuit breakers can wear out over time. A breaker that trips with minimal load might simply need replacement.

When to Call an Electrician

Call a licensed electrician immediately if you experience:

• Burning smell from your electrical panel or outlets
• Visible sparks when you plug in devices
• Breaker that won't stay reset after removing the load
• Multiple breakers tripping simultaneously
• Warm or hot outlet covers or switch plates
• Buzzing or crackling sounds from electrical fixtures

Vancouver Homes: Special Considerations

Many Vancouver homes, particularly those built before 1980, have electrical systems that weren't designed for today's power demands. Common issues include:

• Undersized panels: 60-100 amp service when 200 amps is now standard
• Too few circuits: Leading to overloads as modern appliances multiply
• Outdated wiring: Including aluminum wiring that requires special attention
• Knob-and-tube wiring: In heritage homes requiring complete rewiring

The Solution: Panel Upgrades and Circuit Additions

If your breakers trip frequently, the long-term solution often involves:

1. Electrical panel upgrade from 100A to 200A service
2. Adding dedicated circuits for high-draw appliances
3. Installing AFCI breakers for enhanced protection
4. Rewiring in severely outdated systems

Cost vs. Risk

While electrical upgrades require investment, the cost pales in comparison to the risk of electrical fires. According to BC Housing, electrical malfunctions are a leading cause of house fires in British Columbia.

Professional Electrical Services in Vancouver

ERG Electric Ltd. provides expert electrical troubleshooting and repairs throughout Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. Our licensed electricians can:

• Diagnose why your breakers keep tripping
• Perform safe, code-compliant repairs
• Upgrade your electrical panel
• Add circuits to reduce overloads
• Ensure your home meets current BC Electrical Code

Don't ignore a frequently tripping breaker—it's trying to tell you something important about your electrical system's safety.

Ready to solve your circuit breaker problems? Call ERG Electric Ltd. at 778-237-2470 for a free consultation.