Tripped Circuit Breakers in Minneapolis? What To Do & When To Call an Electrician

Tripped circuit breakers can be frustrating, even though they serve as a safety mechanism by cutting off electrical flow when there’s an overload or fault in the circuit. However, Twin Cities homeowners are still well within their right to find these annoying. Though occasional tripping may not be an immediate cause for concern, frequent or persistent tripping could indicate a more serious problem that requires attention. Understanding the common causes and knowing how to troubleshoot can help you avoid unnecessary inconvenience moving forward. This guide from our professional electricians at Dean’s Home Services will help you to identify the reasons behind a tripped circuit breaker, how to troubleshoot the issue, and when it’s time to call a professional electrician.

Common Reasons for Circuit Breakers Tripping

There are many common causes behind why circuit breakers trip. Some of the reasons your circuit breaker may have tripped include:

• Overloaded circuits: This happens when there are too many devices or appliances running on the same circuit, causing it to exceed its capacity. When a circuit gets overloaded, the breaker trips to prevent overheating, which could lead to fires.
• Short circuits: A short circuit occurs when a hot wire touches another hot wire or a neutral wire, creating a surge of electricity. The breaker trips to stop the flow before things get dangerous.
• Ground faults: Ground faults are like short circuits except they involve a hot wire touching a grounded part, like a metal box or ground wire. This can make electricity flow in the wrong path, tripping the breaker to avoid potential shocks or fires.
• Faulty appliances: Sometimes, the issue is a malfunctioning appliance. If it has damaged wiring or a failing motor, it can draw more current than it should, tripping the breaker.

Troubleshooting a Tripped Circuit Breaker

Troubleshooting tripped breakers is an important step to determine the cause of the problem and how it needs to be addressed. If your circuit breaker has tripped, follow these steps to troubleshoot and fix your tripped circuit breakers:

• Check the breaker box: Head to your electrical panel and look for a breaker that’s not fully in the “on” position. It’s usually halfway between “on” and “off,” or it might be completely in the “off” position. Your switches are most likely labeled to help you tell.
• Inspect the area: Consider what you were just doing before the breaker tripped to help pinpoint the cause of the trip.
• Unplug everything: To be safe, unplug all devices in the affected area. This reduces the load on the circuit and makes it easier to reset the breaker.
• Reset the breaker: Push the breaker fully to the “off” position before flipping it back to “on.” You should hear a click: that means it’s reset.
• Test the circuit: Plug devices back in one at a time. If the breaker trips again, you’ve likely found the culprit. If it stays on, you’re probably in the clear, just keep an eye on it.

When To Call a Professional Electrician

If you find yourself constantly resetting the same breaker, it’s time to call a professional for repair or replacement. Frequent tripping could mean there’s a deeper issue, like faulty wiring or a failing breaker, that needs more than a DIY fix. What’s more, if you smell something burning, see scorch marks around outlets, or hear buzzing from the panel, these are further red flags that should be addressed by an electrician immediately. Don’t take chances with your home’s electrical system, and even less so with your safety.

Call Dean’s for Expert Electrical Repairs

When the circuit breakers keep tripping in your Minneapolis home, Dean’s Home Services is here to help. With over 100 combined years of experience across our service lines, our licensed and insured professionals are ready to handle any electrical issue with expertise and care. We offer same-day service to get your home back up and running smoothly, so you can trust that you’re in good hands.

Don’t keep dealing with annoying breaker trips; get in touch with the pros at Dean’s for circuit breaker services in Minneapolis, St. Paul, or surrounding areas.