Why Does My Breaker Keep Tripping?
Causes & Solutions

By Amy, Licensed C-10 Electrician · 15+ years serving Los Angeles

Troubleshoot why your circuit breaker keeps tripping. Common causes from overloaded circuits to short circuits, and when to call a licensed LA electrician.

Published: June 2026 · Updated: June 2026

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Troubleshooting

Why Your Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping

A tripping circuit breaker is annoying, but it's also a safety feature protecting your home from electrical fires.

Common Causes

3 Main Causes of Tripping Breakers

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Circuit Overload

Too many devices drawing power from one circuit — a 15A circuit running a vacuum, space heater, and computer simultaneously.

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Short Circuit

A hot wire touches a neutral wire, causing a sudden surge. Burning smell or scorch marks. Requires immediate professional attention.

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Ground Fault

A hot wire touches a grounded surface. GFCI breakers trip instantly. Common in kitchens, bathrooms, outdoor circuits.

Diagnose Yourself

How to Diagnose a Tripping Breaker

Unplug everything on the affected circuit and reset the breaker.
Plug devices in one by one. If it trips when plugging in a specific device, that device may have a short.
Notice when it trips. Only when high-draw appliances run? Likely overload. Randomly? Probably a short or ground fault.

Safety warning: If a breaker trips repeatedly and won't reset, or you see burn marks, melted insulation, or smell burning — call a licensed electrician immediately.

Repair Costs

Typical Repair Costs for Breaker Issues

Item	Typical Range
Diagnostic Service Call	$95 – $195
Replace Single-Pole Breaker	$150 – $350
Replace Double-Pole Breaker	$200 – $500
Replace GFCI/AFCI Breaker	$250 – $450
Rewire Faulty Circuit	$300 – $800

Prices include labor, parts, and permit where applicable.

When to Call

When to Call a Licensed Electrician

The same breaker trips repeatedly after reducing the load
Breaker won't reset — trips immediately or stays in the middle
Burning smell, buzzing sound, or warm breaker panel
Scorch marks, melted plastic, or discoloration
Multiple breakers tripping at the same time

Related Services & Resources

Questions

Breaker Tripping FAQ

Why does my circuit breaker keep tripping? ▾

The three most common causes are an overloaded circuit (too many devices drawing power), a short circuit (hot wire touching neutral), or a ground fault (hot wire touching a grounded surface). Each triggers the breaker's thermal or magnetic trip mechanism to prevent wiring damage and electrical fires.

How do I reset a tripped circuit breaker? ▾

Switch the breaker fully to the OFF position first, then flip it to ON. If it trips again immediately, unplug devices on that circuit and repeat. If it still trips, call a licensed electrician — repeated tripping signals a wiring fault that needs professional diagnosis.

When is a tripping breaker a sign of a serious problem? ▾

Call an electrician if the breaker trips repeatedly after reducing the load, won't reset at all, trips with a burning smell or buzzing sound, or if you see scorch marks on the panel. Multiple breakers tripping at the same time also indicates a serious issue that requires immediate attention.

Ready to Get Started?

Contact AMY Electric for a free estimate. Our licensed, C-10 certified team serves all of Greater Los Angeles.