What Should I Do If My Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping Repeatedly?

If a circuit breaker keeps tripping, turn off and unplug everything on that circuit, reset the breaker once, and stop using the circuit if it trips again. The most common cause is an overloaded circuit; shorts or ground faults are also common. Repeated trips mean the breaker is protecting you, not failing. In many winter calls, we find a space heater and hair dryer sharing one bathroom circuit and overloading it. Our electricians provide 24/7 help for Salem-area homes when the problem is urgent.

Call an electrician promptly if you notice:

• The breaker trips instantly even with nothing plugged in
• A burning smell, heat at the panel, or discoloration
• Visible damage to a cord, outlet, or the breaker itself
• A GFCI/AFCI that won’t reset or keeps clicking

Never force or tape a breaker on, and avoid multiple rapid resets.

Updated: 2026-02-25

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