A tripped circuit breaker is always an inconvenience, especially if you experience multiple trips per week. While it is typically easy to reset your electrical panel or fuse box, it can become a hassle over time. Tripped circuit breakers are especially common for older homes with old electrical panels and circuit breakers, as these units may be near the end of their usable life and require replacement by a professional. As a team of experienced residential electrical contractors, BNR Electric knows how detrimental a tripped circuit breaker can be, especially if you do not know what is causing it. That is why our team has put together a list of 4 appliances that can trip your circuit breakers to help you minimize the risk of tripped breakers and keep your home running smoothly.
Learn about some energy-efficient upgrades for your home.
4 COMMON CAUSES OF TRIPPED CIRCUIT BREAKERS
The following devices and appliances are among the most common causes of tripped circuit breakers in homes of all sizes:
1. OUTDATED REFRIGERATORS
Modern refrigerators are far more energy efficient than units that were manufactured more than 20 years ago due to advances in cooling technology. If you are using an outdated refrigerator, you are likely drawing an excessive amount of power throughout the day. This power draw is further increased in hot weather, as the refrigerator must work harder to keep the contents cool. With a consistently high power draw, your breakers will trip more easily. If your refrigerator is constantly causing your breaker to trip, it may be time to replace it.
2. HAIR DRYERS
Hair dryers, flat irons, and curling irons all produce a high amount of heat in a short period, resulting in significant power draw during use. While ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are commonly found in bathrooms, a circuit can break at this specific outlet or at the breaker supplying the circuit, causing multiple outlets to lose power. Unplug any unused devices and limit the amount of power used in this circuit to minimize the risk of a trip.
3. FANS AND PORTABLE AIR CONDITIONERS
Homeowners may run multiple tower fans, ceiling fans, and portable air conditioning units at the same time during summer to stay cool. While a single fan will likely not cause a circuit breaker to trip, this combined power draw can significantly increase the chance of this occurring. To limit the risk of a tripped circuit breaker, be sure to only use fans for rooms that currently have people in them.
4. VACUUM CLEANERS
Vacuum cleaners often use a significant amount of power and can overload a circuit easily if other devices are being used on the circuit at the same time. While vacuums are often the culprit for tripped breakers, it is worth testing your vacuum out in multiple areas of your home. If the vacuum only causes one breaker to trip, the problem may lie with your breaker and not the vacuum.
To learn more about our residential electrical services or to inquire about replacing circuit breakers in your home, get in touch with the team at BNR Electric. We can be reached by phone at 778-704-0312 or through our online contact form and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.