Why Your Breaker Keeps Tripping (And When to Call an Electrician)
If your breaker keeps tripping, you’re not alone—and you’re definitely not overreacting. It’s one of the most common electrical issues we hear about at G&S Electric, and it’s more than just a nuisance. A tripping breaker is your system’s way of saying: “Something’s not right.”
Here’s a breakdown of what’s likely happening, what you can check on your own, and when it’s time to call in a licensed electrician.
What Is a Breaker and Why Does It Trip?
Your electrical panel is the nerve center of your home or business’s power system. Each breaker is designed to “trip,” or shut off, when it detects an unsafe flow of electricity—like when you overload a circuit or there’s a fault somewhere in the wiring.
In short: it’s doing its job to keep you safe.
But if it happens more than once or twice, that’s not just annoying—it’s a red flag.
5 Common Reasons Breakers Trip
1. Overloaded Circuits
Too many devices or appliances drawing power from the same circuit? That’s a recipe for an overload. For example, running a toaster, microwave, and space heater in the same kitchen outlet can easily trip the breaker.
What you can do: Unplug a few items and see if that resolves the issue. If you constantly have to play this game, it’s time to consider upgrading your panel or adding circuits.
2. Short Circuits
This is a more serious issue. A short circuit happens when a hot wire touches a neutral or ground wire, causing a sudden surge of electricity. This can generate heat, sparks, and even fire.
Warning signs: You may notice blackened outlets, a burning smell, or hear a pop when it trips.
3. Ground Faults
Similar to a short circuit, a ground fault occurs when a hot wire touches a grounded surface. This is especially common in areas with moisture, like bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor spaces.
GFCI outlets (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters) are designed to prevent these—if you don’t have them installed, your risk goes way up.
4. Appliance Issues
Sometimes, it’s not the wiring or the circuit—it’s the appliance itself. A faulty fridge compressor, old space heater, or even a damaged power tool can cause repeated trips.
Test tip: Plug the appliance into another outlet. If the breaker still trips, the appliance is the culprit.
5. Aging Electrical Panels
If your home or building is more than 30 years old, your panel may simply be outdated and no longer equipped to handle today’s electrical demands.
Panels to watch for: Federal Pacific, Zinsco, or anything with “knob and tube” wiring may need replacing immediately.
When to Call a Licensed Electrician in Ontario
If your breaker keeps tripping and you’ve ruled out basic overloads, it’s time to call a pro. Here’s when G&S Electric should be your next call:
Don’t Ignore the Signs
Breakers that constantly trip aren’t just annoying—they’re telling you something’s wrong. And electrical issues left unchecked can become dangerous fast.
At G&S Electric, we help homeowners and business owners across London, ON and surrounding areas troubleshoot, repair, and upgrade their electrical systems—safely and professionally. Whether you need a panel upgrade, new circuits, or a simple safety check, we’re here to help.
Need a hand with your panel?
Schedule an appointment today or give us a call. We’ll get things running right the first time.
