Breaker Tripping Again? What It Means and When to Call an Electrician
If you’ve ever been in the middle of cooking dinner, running the dryer, or relaxing with a good movie, only for the lights to flicker and a breaker to trip. You’re not alone. It’s a common frustration for many homeowners. But while a tripped breaker can be a minor inconvenience, it can also be a sign of something more serious.
At Corrigan Electric, we believe in safety-first diagnostics, licensed professionalism, and helping homeowners feel confident about what’s happening behind their walls. Let’s demystify what breaker tripping means, and when it’s time to bring in a pro.
What Does It Mean When a Breaker Trips?
Circuit breakers are your home's built-in safety system. When too much electricity flows through a circuit, potentially creating heat or a fire risk, the breaker “trips” and shuts off power to that section of your home. It’s a safeguard, not a failure.
Here are the most common reasons for a tripped breaker:
Circuit Overload: Too many devices running on the same circuit at once.
Short Circuit: A hot wire touches a neutral or ground wire, creating a surge.
Ground Fault: Similar to a short, but typically occurs when electricity strays outside its intended path, often near water sources.
Faulty Appliance or Wiring: Old or damaged appliances, outlets, or wires can draw irregular current.
When It’s Just a Nuisance
If the breaker trips once in a blue moon, say during holiday cooking marathons or when you plug in a new vacuum, it’s probably just an overload. Here’s what you can do:
Unplug or redistribute devices.
Reset the breaker by flipping it fully OFF, then back ON.
Monitor usage and avoid stacking high-powered appliances on the same outlet.
If it doesn’t happen again, you’re likely in the clear.
When It’s a Warning Sign
If your breaker trips frequently or immediately after being reset, it’s time to take it seriously. Watch for these red flags:
Burning smells or scorch marks around outlets or your electrical panel
Breakers that feel hot to the touch
Flickering lights even after resetting
Outlets that spark or fail intermittently
These aren’t just annoyances, they’re safety concerns. Continuous tripping can indicate worn-out breakers, faulty wiring, or dangerous conditions hidden in your walls. Ignoring them can lead to electrical fires or shock hazards.
Why You Should Call Corrigan Electric
At Corrigan, we’re not just troubleshooting, we’re protecting your home and family. Our licensed electricians approach every issue with a safety-first mindset.
Here’s what sets our diagnostics apart:
Precision Testing: We don’t guess, we test. With modern tools, we pinpoint overloads, shorts, and faulty circuits fast.
Transparent Recommendations: We explain what’s happening in plain language and offer clear, affordable solutions.
Code-Compliant Repairs: Whether you need a new circuit, updated panel, or rewiring, we bring every fix up to code and up to Corrigan standards.
Proactive Tips to Prevent Breaker Trips
Want to avoid the hassle before it starts? Here are smart ways to protect your home’s electrical system:
Spread out high-energy appliances. Don’t run the microwave, coffee maker, and toaster all on one outlet.
Avoid daisy-chaining power strips. It’s a recipe for overload.
Schedule a home electrical inspection. Especially in older homes or after renovations.
Upgrade your panel. If your panel is outdated or underpowered, a modern replacement can enhance safety and capacity.
Your Partner in Electrical Peace of Mind
Breaker trips may be common, but they’re never something to ignore. Whether it’s a quick fix or a deeper electrical issue, Corrigan Electric is here to keep your home safe, efficient, and running smoothly.
Don’t wait for a small issue to become a major hazard. If your breakers are tripping more than once or you’ve noticed other warning signs, schedule a diagnostic visit with Corrigan Electric today. We’re local, licensed, and committed to doing the job right, every time.
You know us at Corrigan, give us a call! Your Electrician.
📞 (502) 267-4600