What Causes Circuit Breakers To Trip?

What Causes Circuit Breakers To Trip?

Circuit breakers are an important component of your home’s electrical system They are designed to protect your home and appliances from electrical overloads and surges. They function as safety switches, automatically shutting off power when they detect an issue. If you’ve encountered issues related to your generator’s electrical system, our contractors at Generator Technologies, Inc. have your back. Below, we cover a few of the most common causes of circuit breaker tripping and explain how regular maintenance can help prevent these issues.

The Role of Circuit Breakers

Circuit breakers act as guardians of your home’s electrical system. They monitor the flow of electricity and spring into action at the first sign of trouble, effectively preventing damage to your appliances and, most importantly, ensuring your safety.

Overloads

One of the most prevalent causes of circuit breaker tripping is an overload. If the electrical demand on a circuit exceeds its capacity, the breaker trips to prevent overheating and potential fire hazards. This can often happen when new appliances are added to a circuit or when an existing appliance malfunctions, causing an unexpected surge in the electrical load.

GFCI Outlet Tripping

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets are specially designed to protect against electrical shock by detecting any imbalance in the electrical current. Portable generators, which typically power a few household appliances and lights, are often equipped with these outlets. A short circuit or faulty wiring can cause these GFCI outlets to trip, shutting down the generator to prevent harm.

Extension Cord Issues

For those using portable generators, extension cords are a common way to power various appliances. However, a faulty extension cord can cause a GFCI outlet to trip. It’s crucial to check each extension cord by plugging them in one by one to identify the problematic cord.

The Importance of Regular Maintenance

Understanding what causes circuit breakers to trip is the first step towards preventing it. Regular maintenance is the key to keeping your generator running smoothly and efficiently.

Just like any other piece of equipment, your generator needs regular maintenance to function optimally. Regular checks can identify potential issues before they become significant problems, helping to prevent circuit breaker tripping and ensuring your generator is always ready to operate flawlessly during a power outage.

Choose Generator Technologies, Inc. for Your Maintenance Needs

With a professional team of factory-trained technicians, Generator Technologies, Inc. offers top-notch generator service and maintenance work. Our team has extensive experience in handling power outages and providing proven solutions. With our regular maintenance services, you can ensure your generator will be able to meet the electrical demands of your home, avoiding unexpected trips and shutdowns.

Our services are not limited to maintenance alone. We also offer new generator installations, full electrical service, and 24-hour emergency service.

We invite you to reach out to us for all your generator maintenance needs. We even offer a free in-home estimate. Contact us today, and experience the peace of mind that comes with knowing your generator is in capable hands.