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You are relaxing in your living room, watching a movie with family, and boom, you are in the darkness. It can be frustrating to deal with a circuit breaker that keeps flipping, especially when it happens in the middle of movie night. Here are a few main reasons why your circuit may keep flipping.   

Is it a Circuit Overload?  

A circuit overload can happen when you use more electricity than the circuit is made for. A lot of times, this occurs when there are too many appliances plugged in at once. For example, if every time you plug in your blow dryer to dry your hair and the circuit cuts out, it is probably because other appliances are already using the electricity in that circuit. Check if other big appliances like your washer and dryer, HVAC unit, or dishwasher are using this same circuit. Switching the circuits may help prevent your circuits from overloading.   

Is it a Short Circuit?  

A short circuit is when a hot electrical wire touches a neutral wire. Whenever the hot wire and neutral wire meet, it can cause the breaker to flip or blow a fuse. Other signs to look out for when there is a short circuit are popping sounds, sparks, and possibly even smoke. Short circuits can be unsafe and a hazard to your home because of the high temperatures that could potentially cause a fire. Don’t hesitate to call SPS Electric for a licensed electrician!   

Is There a Ground Fault?  

A ground fault can happen when a hot wire connects with a ground wire. Ground faults usually occur when the wire has been damaged or is defective. A common place you can find ground faults is outside of an appliance or in high moisture locations like outside, a bathroom, or a kitchen. You should never touch live electric parts or wires that are exposed as they can potentially cause a big electrical shock.  

How to Know if Your Breaker is Tripping  

Locate the breaker in your house and open it to see the location of the switches on the panel. If a switch is on “off” or in between “on” and “off”, you know that your breaker has tripped. Some breakers may even have a light to tell you if your breaker has tripped. Before turning it back on, wait a few minutes for your breaker to cool down. To reset your breaker, flip it off first and then back on.   

Reach Out to SPS Electric to Get Help with Your Electrical Breakers 

Avoid the frustration of flipping electrical breakers. Reach out to our expert team of electricians at SPS Electric. We’ll diagnose the situation and help you fix the issue that’s causing your circuit to flip. To learn more, contact us at SPS Electric today!