Why Your Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping (And When It’s a Serious Problem)
January 19, 2026
If your circuit breaker keeps tripping, it isn’t random — and it isn’t something to ignore.
For many San Jose homeowners, repeated breaker trips are the first sign that their electrical system is under stress. Sometimes it’s a simple overload. Other times, it points to deeper issues that inspections, insurance companies, or future upgrades will eventually uncover anyway.
Understanding why a breaker trips helps you decide whether it’s a quick correction — or an early warning worth addressing now.
What a Tripping Circuit Breaker Is Designed to Do
Circuit breakers are safety devices. Their job is to shut off power when something isn’t right — protecting wiring, appliances, and your home from overheating or fire.
A breaker will trip when it detects:
Too much electrical load
A short circuit
A ground fault
Excessive heat inside the panel
In other words, the breaker is responding to a condition — not causing the problem.
We troubleshoot breaker and power issues in San Jose homes every week — especially in older neighborhoods where electrical systems weren’t designed for today’s demand.
The Most Common Reasons Breakers Trip in San Jose Homes
After years of service calls across San Jose and Santa Clara County, the same causes show up repeatedly.
Overloaded Circuits
This is the most common issue.
Modern homes draw far more power than systems installed decades ago were built to handle. Space heaters, air fryers, EV chargers, portable AC units, and home offices can overload a single circuit quickly.
If a breaker trips when specific appliances run together, overload is often the cause.
Older or Undersized Electrical Panels
Many homes in San Jose still rely on electrical panels that were never intended to support modern electrical loads.
Common red flags include:
100-amp services struggling with today’s usage
Limited breaker space
Obsolete or recalled panel brands
Panels running hot under normal operation
In many cases, repeated breaker trips are an early sign that an electrical panel is undersized or no longer safe for today’s loads.
Loose, Damaged, or Aging Wiring
Loose connections, worn insulation, or improperly sized wiring can cause breakers to trip intermittently — especially when appliances start or stop.
These issues are common in:
Older homes
Remodels that combine old and new wiring
Homes with DIY or unpermitted electrical work
They often worsen over time if left unaddressed.
Ground Faults or Moisture Issues
Bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and outdoor circuits are more vulnerable to ground faults.
Moisture, damaged outlets, or failing devices can trip breakers even when very little is plugged in — and often without obvious warning.
Is It Safe to Reset a Breaker That Keeps Tripping?
Resetting a breaker once usually isn’t a problem. Resetting it repeatedly can be.
As a general rule:
Trips once after a temporary overload? Resetting may be fine.
Trips again shortly after? Stop resetting and investigate.
Repeated trips mean the breaker is responding to an ongoing condition. Forcing it back on can allow wiring to overheat behind walls — where problems aren’t visible.
Signs the Issue Should Be Checked by an Electrician
If you’re experiencing repeated breaker trips or loss of power, these are often signs that urgent electrical repairs are needed to keep your home safe.
You should schedule professional troubleshooting if you notice:
Breakers that trip repeatedly or unpredictably
Warm breakers, outlets, or panels
Burning or metallic odors
Partial power loss in parts of the home
Tripping tied to EV charging or new appliances
These are not “wait and see” situations. They’re early warning signs.
How We Diagnose Breaker Problems
At Dollens Electric, troubleshooting isn’t guesswork.
We:
Test the circuit and breaker
Measure electrical load
Inspect panel condition and wiring
Explain what we find and why it matters
If upgrades or corrections are needed, we walk through options clearly — whether that’s a circuit adjustment, wiring repair, subpanel, or panel upgrade. No pressure. Just clear information.
Why Breaker Issues Are Increasing in San Jose Homes
San Jose homes face a unique combination of factors:
Older housing stock
Remodel-heavy neighborhoods
Rapid EV adoption
Increased appliance use during heat waves
What worked 20 or 30 years ago often isn’t enough anymore — even if the system hasn’t visibly failed yet.
We regularly help homeowners in Willow Glen, Cambrian, Almaden, Santa Clara, and surrounding South Bay neighborhoods with these exact issues.
Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs
A circuit breaker that keeps tripping is your electrical system asking for attention.
Addressing the cause early is almost always simpler — and less expensive — than fixing problems after an inspection fails or power is lost unexpectedly.
If you’re unsure what’s causing the issue, a professional electrical evaluation can help you understand what’s happening and what makes sense next.
If your circuit breaker keeps tripping or you’re concerned about your electrical system, our licensed electricians are here to help.
Dollens Electric
Serving San Jose & Santa Clara County
Licensed • Local • Straightforward
📞 Call (408) 929-6100
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