Why Your Circuit Breakers Keep Tripping

breaker boxAt one time or another, everyone has been in the middle of using some electrical device when, all of a sudden, everything stops! What just happened? Well, you probably tripped a circuit breaker, or, as we usually refer to it, blew a circuit.

Many events can cause this to occur. The most common is running too many electrical items on the same circuit at the same time.

The Worst Offenders

Typical items that frequently blow circuits are hair dryers, microwave ovens, toasters, coffee makers and electric space heaters. These items draw a lot of current, so when they are all going at the same time, a tripped breaker is almost certain. Breakers (the on-off switches in your electrical service panel) are rated by the number of “amps” they support. Most homes will have 15-amp breakers, with a few higher-rated breakers in the 20-30-amp range to handle more current.

How Much is Too Much?

Let’s say you are using your toaster and your coffee maker, and you need to pop something into the microwave. You will probably blow a breaker. If you have a window-mounted air conditioner, and you decide to use a vacuum cleaner that is plugged into the same circuit, you will probably trip that breaker. Without these circuit breakers, both of these situations would probably cause an electrical fire.

Several Outlets Per Circuit

Keep in mind that a single circuit may have several outlets connected to it. The vacuum in the family room may be plugged into the same circuit as the toaster in the kitchen. All of these circuits are located in your circuit breaker box, otherwise known as your breaker panel.

If you are experiencing problems like these, you can operate fewer items on a single circuit, or you can have an electrical professional evaluate and upgrade your breaker panel to accommodate your needs.

Let’s Get 
Started

Hoffman Signature Savings Club
THIS INVESTMENT FOR YOUR PEACE OF MIND IS ONLY $159/YEAR
Proudly Serving Hillsborough, Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, & Manatee Counties
service areas map
The information on this website is for informational purposes only; it is deemed accurate but not guaranteed. It does not constitute professional advice.
All information is subject to change at any time without notice. Contact us for complete details.
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram