Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping

Circuit breaker keeps tripping? Learn why it happens, safe steps to diagnose, and electrician costs ($150–$400).

Typical repair cost: $150–$400 · DIY difficulty: Easy · About 10–20 minutes.

What usually causes it

• Overloaded circuit
• Short circuit
• Ground fault
• Faulty breaker
• Damaged wiring

What you need

• None for diagnosis

How to fix it yourself

1. Identify which breaker is tripping
2. Unplug all devices on that circuit
3. Reset the breaker (flip fully off, then on)
4. Plug devices back in one at a time to find the culprit
5. If a specific device trips it, that device may have a short
6. If it trips with nothing plugged in, it's a wiring or breaker issue

When to call a pro

If the breaker trips with nothing plugged in, if you smell burning, or if you can't identify the cause.

Get a fixed price from a local pro