Why Do Circuit Breakers Keep Tripping? (And What to Do About It)

You’re watching TV, cooking dinner, or running the dryer when suddenly—click!—the power shuts off. A tripped breaker is one of the most common electrical problems homeowners and business owners in Southwest Florida face. While it can feel frustrating, it’s actually your system’s way of keeping you safe.

So why does this keep happening, and what can you do about it?

What Is a Circuit Breaker?

A circuit breaker is a safety device designed to protect your wiring from overheating and potentially causing an electrical fire. When too much current flows through, the breaker “trips” and cuts off power. Think of it as a reset button that protects your property from electrical hazards.

For both residential homes in Naples, Florida and commercial buildings across Southwest Florida, a properly functioning breaker system is critical for safety and efficiency.

The Most Common Reasons Breakers Trip

1. Overloaded Circuit Too many appliances running on one circuit at the same time. Example: running a microwave, toaster, and coffee maker on the same kitchen outlet.

2. Short Circuit Faulty wiring or a device causes a direct path between hot and neutral wires. Signs: sparks, burning smells, or a breaker that trips instantly.

3. Ground Fault A hot wire makes unintended contact with the ground, often in damp locations like kitchens, bathrooms, or outdoor areas.

4. Faulty Appliance or Wiring Old or damaged devices drawing unsafe current.

What You Can Try at Home

• Unplug a few devices and reset the breaker.

• Test whether a specific appliance always causes the trip.

• Reset GFCI outlets in kitchens, bathrooms, or garages.

⚠️ Important: If your breaker continues tripping after these steps, contact a licensed electrician in Southwest Florida immediately.

When to Call a Licensed Electrician

Call a professional electrician if you notice:

• Breakers tripping repeatedly, even after reducing the load.

• Burning smells, scorch marks, or buzzing from the panel.

• A breaker that feels hot to the touch.

• Outdated electrical panels or fuse boxes.

These are signs that your home or business may need professional diagnostics, rewiring, or a panel upgrade.

At Empire Electrical & Engineering LLC, we provide both residential and commercial electrical services across Collier County, Lee County and all of Southwest Florida. Our team is licensed, insured, and experienced in solving breaker issues safely and effectively.

Preventing Future Breaker Trips

• Spread out appliances on different outlets and circuits.

• Upgrade old wiring and panels to handle modern electrical demand.

• Add circuits if you’ve recently installed high-demand equipment (like EV chargers, hot tubs, or heavy-duty appliances).

• Schedule regular inspections with licensed commercial and residential electricians to ensure your system meets Florida safety codes.

Final Word

A breaker that trips occasionally is just doing its job. But if it’s happening regularly, it’s your electrical system’s way of telling you something needs attention. Don’t ignore it, small issues can turn into costly hazards.

At Empire Electrical & Engineering LLC, we proudly serve homeowners and businesses throughout Naples and Southwest Florida, keeping your homes and commercial properties safe, efficient, and up to code.

📞 Contact us today to schedule an inspection and keep your power running strong.