While many people travel to Rochester, MN to visit the world-renowned Mayo Clinic, there are over 100,000 people just like you that call this city home. If you’re like most of the population, you own your own home and are responsible for the problems that it has. When it comes to a constantly tripping circuit breaker, there are a couple of reasons that it could be happening to you.
Your Not Turning It Off First
One of the most common reasons that homeowners have trouble resetting their circuit breaker is that they’re simply not following the right procedure. Once you locate the breaker that has been tripped, it’s vital that you turn it to the off position first. Then, you can turn it back to the on position. If the breaker immediately trips, then you have a bigger issue.
Overloaded Circuit
In older homes especially, an overloaded circuit can be the root cause of your constantly tripping circuit breaker. This is most common for rooms with multiple appliances like your laundry room and kitchen. Unplug all of your appliances and reset the circuit breaker. If it stays on, then you have an overload issue. Plug in each appliance one by one. If the circuit breaker trips after plugging in a few appliances, then you’ll want to contact Paxton Electric in Rochester, MN to install more amperage or another circuit for that room.
Short Circuit
Once your breaker is reset, power flows through the hot wire. If this hot wire comes into contact with a neutral wire, then your circuit breaker will automatically trip. This is a built-in safety mechanism that is meant to protect your home fire a fire. If you suspect that you have a short circuit, it’s best to call in a licensed electrician. This is not a problem that you want to let go as it can be a real fire hazard for your home.
Faulty Circuit Breaker
Most circuit breakers are specifically designed to last between 30 and 40 years. However, if you have a home that is relatively old, then you may end up dealing with a faulty circuit breaker. When the breaker is malfunctioning, it will constantly trip. Replacing your own circuit breaker is not highly recommended. It’s best to leave this job up to the professionals due to the high voltage at your panel box.
Having your circuit breaker trip from time to time is fairly normal for the average home. However, if you’ve noticed that your circuit breaker won’t reset, then it’s an indication of a more in-depth issue. It’s best to call Paxton Electric to get a professional evaluation for your home.
