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Breaker Keeps Tripping or Won't Reset?
A breaker that trips is doing its job — the question is why
Trips again the second you reset it? Stop resetting it and call.
Quick answer
A breaker trips because of an overload, a short circuit or a ground fault. Repeated tripping is a warning that something on that circuit — or the breaker itself — needs attention. Xlectrical's licensed electricians (Florida License EC 13014052) answer 24/7 from Sunrise and serve all of Broward County. The emergency service call is $299 and is applied toward the repair.
Fire, smoke or someone shocked? Call 911 first. Whole street dark? Report it to FPL at 1-800-4OUTAGE.
Do this right now
- Unplug everything on the dead circuit, or turn off the appliances it feeds.
- Push the breaker firmly to OFF first, then to ON. Breakers often sit in a middle “tripped” position.
- If it holds, plug things back in one at a time to find what trips it.
- If it trips immediately with nothing plugged in, leave it OFF — that points to a short in the wiring.
- Never tape a breaker on, swap it for a bigger one or keep resetting it. If it's hot, buzzing or smells, call now.
The three reasons a breaker trips
- Overload: too much running on one circuit — a space heater, hair dryer and microwave on the same kitchen or bathroom circuit, or a window AC on a general outlet. It usually trips after a few seconds or minutes.
- Short circuit: a hot wire touching a neutral or ground, often from a damaged cord, a loose connection in an outlet or box, or a nail through a wire. It trips instantly, sometimes with a pop or a flash.
- Ground fault or arc fault: GFCI and AFCI breakers trip on leakage to ground or on dangerous arcing — common with moisture in outdoor outlets, failing appliances or worn cords.
When the breaker is the problem
Breakers wear out. Older panels — especially some Federal Pacific and Zinsco models found in Broward homes from the 1960s–1980s — have breakers that may not trip when they should or may not reset at all. A breaker that's warm, discolored, buzzing or loose on the bus bar needs to be replaced, and sometimes the panel along with it. Read about FPE and Zinsco panels.
South Florida patterns we see
AC condensers and air handlers that trip during the first hot weeks of summer, pool pumps and outdoor GFCIs that trip after heavy rain, and kitchens where a new air fryer or espresso machine shares a circuit with the microwave. Each has a different fix: a dedicated circuit, a sealed outdoor box, a new GFCI — or a repair to the appliance itself.
What we do
- Test the circuit and the breaker under load to see whether it's an overload, a short or a ground fault.
- Trace the fault to the outlet, appliance, box or run of wire that's causing it.
- Repair it, or replace the breaker if it's worn — with the correct, listed breaker for your panel.
- Recommend a dedicated circuit or panel work only if the numbers show you need it, with the price in writing first.
What it costs
An emergency service call is $299, applied toward the repair when you approve it. Breaker replacements and most tripping repairs are listed on our price list; a new dedicated circuit or panel replacement is quoted in writing.
Not sure what you're dealing with? See all common electrical emergencies or call our 24/7 emergency electricians.
FAQ
Breaker Keeps Tripping: FAQ
Is it dangerous if a breaker keeps tripping?
The breaker is protecting you, but repeated tripping means there's an overload, a short or a ground fault that needs to be found. If it trips instantly, is hot or smells, stop resetting it and call an electrician.
Why does my breaker trip when the AC turns on?
Common causes are a failing compressor or capacitor, a weak breaker or loose connections at the breaker or disconnect. We test the circuit and breaker; if the AC unit itself is failing, we'll tell you to call your HVAC company.
Can I just replace the breaker with a bigger one?
No. The breaker size must match the wire size. A bigger breaker on the same wire removes the protection and can let the wire overheat.
How much does it cost to replace a breaker?
It depends on the breaker type and panel. You'll get a written price before any work; see our pricing page for typical ranges.
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