by 
The Curious Bag
-
A tripping circuit breaker can be caused by a number of issues. In the United States, there are approximately 250 deaths and many injuries each year related to electrical issues, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, so it's a good idea to learn about some of these issues.
Overload
A breaker may trip if there is an overload of electricity on a line in the house. An overload happens when there is too much electricity for the size of the line or breaker. Downed electrical lines outside your home are just one of the causes of electrical overload.
Short Circuit
A large amount of electricity going through a line due to a fault may cause a circuit breaker to trip. Short circuits typically occur when one hot wire touches another hot wire. A short circuit should be fixed immediately to avoid a fire hazard.
Overheating Breaker
When a breaker itself has poor contact or connections in the electrical box, it can overheat and trip.
Ground Fault
A ground fault occurs when the circuit is "leaking" electricity. This often occurs when two circuits or outlets share a neutral connection. Shock hazards, like an open wire or poor wiring, can also result in a ground fault and trip a breaker.
Arc Fault
When an electrical box, appliance or light sparks electricity, it is called an arc fault; this, too, can cause your breaker to trip.
Source:
CircuitDetective.com: AFCI Circuit Breaker Troubleshooting
Energy Recovery Council: Health and Safety Fact Sheet
Reader's Digest: Why Circuit Breakers Trip
More Information:
RELATED QUESTIONS
Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC