Breaker keeps tripping: overload, short, or ground fault?

What to do, in order

1. Unplug everything on the tripped circuit, then reset. Stays on = overload (or one bad appliance). Re-add devices one by one; the one that trips it is the culprit.
2. Trips instantly with nothing plugged in: short or ground fault in the wiring/outlets themselves — stop resetting and call an electrician.
3. Warm outlets, scorch marks, or a burning-plastic smell: shut that breaker OFF and treat it as urgent.
4. GFCI/AFCI breakers trip on nuisance patterns too (old motors, LED drivers) — if it trips only when a specific device runs, test that device elsewhere.
5. Frequent trips on high-load circuits (bathroom, kitchen, garage): the circuit's capacity, not the breaker, is the ceiling — needs a pro load calc or a new circuit.

Red flags — stop and call a pro

• Breaker hot to the touch or a fish/burning smell in the panel — shut the main and call now
• Scorched or discolored outlet faces — arc damage, replace before reuse
• Trips with lights dimming house-wide — loose neutral/service problem: electrician, urgently

Prevention

One high-wattage appliance per circuit during peak use, no daisy-chained power strips, and a panel inspection if your breakers trip more than once a month.

This guide is maintained by the ee.ltd editorial team — reviewed for 2026. Browse all home repair guides or compare electrician costs.

Related guides

• Outlets not working but breaker isn't tripped: the GFCI hunt
• Lights flickering: one fixture vs whole house (very different problems)
• Outlet sparked when I plugged something in: dangerous or normal?
• Breaker won't reset or keeps tripping: diagnosis ladder

What this repair typically costs

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