What to do if 20 amp breaker keeps tripping?
Key Takeaway
If your 20 amp breaker keeps tripping, it’s likely due to an overload, short circuit, or ground fault. Start by identifying the cause by checking for any appliances or devices that are drawing too much power. Unplug non-essential items and see if the breaker stays on.
If the breaker continues to trip, reset it by switching it off and back on. Ensure that the wiring and devices on that circuit are safe. If the problem persists, it’s a sign of a deeper issue, and you should call a professional to avoid electrical damage or safety hazards.
Identifying the Cause of Frequent Tripping
The first step to solving the problem of a frequently tripping breaker is to figure out what’s causing it. Breakers trip for various reasons, including circuit overloads, short circuits, or even ground faults. In a 20-amp circuit, which typically serves outlets in kitchens, bathrooms, and garages, frequent trips can be triggered by appliances drawing too much current. For example, plugging in a microwave, toaster, and coffee maker on the same circuit can overload it.
To identify the cause, start by unplugging all devices connected to the circuit and see if the breaker still trips. If the breaker trips with nothing connected, you may be dealing with a more serious wiring issue like a short circuit or ground fault. If it only trips when certain appliances are connected, the circuit may be overloaded or the appliance itself could be faulty.
Hook: A circuit that trips frequently isn’t just annoying—it could be a warning sign of an underlying problem that, if left unchecked, might cause further damage or even an electrical fire.
Troubleshooting Common Issues in 20 Amp Circuits
Once you’ve identified that the breaker is tripping, it’s time to troubleshoot. The most common culprit for tripping is a circuit overload, where too many high-power devices are plugged into the same circuit. Start by determining if the circuit is overloaded. Calculate the total wattage of the devices connected to the circuit and ensure that it doesn’t exceed the 20-amp capacity (2400 watts). If it does, you’ll need to redistribute the load across other circuits or unplug some devices.
Short circuits are another common issue, typically caused by faulty wiring or appliances. A short circuit occurs when a live wire touches a neutral wire, creating an overload of current that the breaker will trip to prevent further damage. If this is the cause, you might notice a burning smell or see blackened outlets. Ground faults, where a live wire touches a grounded part of the system, are another possible cause of frequent trips. These faults require careful inspection to locate the problem, so be cautious.
Hook: Overloading your circuit without realizing it can lead to more than just inconvenience—it can cause serious damage to your appliances or wiring, putting your safety at risk.
How to Safely Reset a Tripped Breaker
Resetting a tripped breaker is straightforward, but it needs to be done safely. First, switch off or unplug any appliances that were connected to the circuit. This ensures that when the breaker is reset, the circuit won’t immediately be overloaded again. Locate your electrical panel and identify the tripped breaker—it will usually be in the middle position between “on” and “off.”
To reset the breaker, push it firmly to the “off” position, and then back to the “on” position. Listen for a click to confirm that it’s properly reset. After resetting, plug in your appliances one by one, checking if the breaker trips again. If the breaker continues to trip, do not reset it repeatedly as this could indicate a serious issue with your wiring or devices.
Hook: Resetting a breaker is quick and simple, but doing it without addressing the underlying problem is like putting a band-aid on a leak—it won’t fix the root cause.
Preventing Future Breaker Trips
To prevent future breaker trips, you need to manage your electrical load effectively. Start by organizing high-wattage appliances across different circuits. For example, kitchen appliances like microwaves, toasters, and dishwashers should each have their own dedicated circuit to avoid overloading the 20-amp breaker. Also, be mindful of using multiple appliances simultaneously—especially during peak power times.
Regularly check your appliances and outlets for any signs of damage. Frayed cords, burnt outlets, or unusual sounds coming from appliances are all red flags that something is wrong. Additionally, consider upgrading old appliances, as older models may be less efficient and more prone to causing electrical faults.
For added safety, you can also install AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) breakers, which provide additional protection by detecting arc faults and preventing fires. Arc faults are caused by damaged or deteriorating wiring, and they are one of the leading causes of electrical fires.
Hook: Prevention is the best cure—by taking a few simple steps now, you can avoid the hassle and danger of frequent breaker trips in the future.
When to Call a Professional for Help
While resetting a breaker and managing your electrical load are tasks most homeowners can handle, there are times when calling a professional electrician is essential. If your breaker trips repeatedly after you’ve unplugged all devices, it’s a sign that there may be an underlying issue with the wiring. Short circuits and ground faults can be dangerous, and identifying the exact location of the fault requires specialized tools and expertise.
Similarly, if you notice flickering lights, burning smells, or hear buzzing sounds from your outlets, turn off the circuit and call a professional immediately. These are signs of a serious electrical issue that could lead to fire or significant damage if left unchecked.
Regular electrical inspections can also help identify potential issues before they become major problems. If your home is older and hasn’t had its electrical system updated in years, it’s wise to have a licensed electrician assess your system’s capacity and safety.
Hook: Knowing when to call in the pros can be the difference between a quick fix and a major electrical disaster—don’t wait until it’s too late.
Conclusion
Frequent tripping in a 20-amp breaker is often a symptom of an underlying issue, whether it’s an overloaded circuit, a short circuit, or a ground fault. While it’s tempting to just reset the breaker and move on, it’s important to identify and address the root cause to prevent damage to your appliances, wiring, and home. By troubleshooting common issues, safely resetting your breaker, and managing your electrical load, you can minimize the risk of future trips. However, if the problem persists, calling in a professional is always the safest option.
Hook: Don’t let frequent breaker trips become a headache—take action to ensure your home’s electrical system remains safe and efficient for years to come.