Overloaded Circuit

One of the most common reasons for a tripped breaker is an overloaded circuit. This occurs when too many appliances or devices are being used on the same circuit, causing the circuit to become overloaded and trip the breaker. To prevent this, make sure to distribute your appliances and devices evenly among the circuits in your home.

Common appliances and their average amperage

Appliance	Amperage	Average Wattage
Refrigerator	2-6 amps	600-1800 watts
Dishwasher	4-12 amps	1000-3600 watts
Oven/Range	30-50 amps	9000-15000 watts
Air Conditioner (window unit)	7-15 amps	2100-4500 watts
Washing machine	8-15 amps	2400-4500 watts
Clothes Dryer	30-50 amps	9000-15000 watts
Microwave	10-15 amps	3000-4500 watts
Electric Water Heater	30-50 amps	9000-15000 watts
Electric Furnace	30-50 amps	9000-50000 watts
Electric Space Heater	12-15 amps	3600-4500 watts
Computer and peripherals	3-7 amps	900-2100 watts
TV	1-4 amps	100-400 watts
DVD player	1-3 amps	100-300 watts
Gaming console	2-6 amps	600-1800 watts
Light Bulbs	0.1-0.5 amps	10-50 watts

Short Circuit

Another common cause of a tripped breaker is a short circuit. This occurs when there is a fault in the wiring, causing a direct connection between the hot and neutral wires. This can cause a large amount of current to flow through the circuit, tripping the breaker. To prevent a short circuit, make sure that all wiring is properly installed and maintained.

Ground Fault

A ground fault is similar to a short circuit, but it occurs when there is a fault between the hot wire and the ground wire. This can cause a tripped breaker and can be dangerous, as it can lead to electrocution. To prevent a ground fault, make sure that all wiring is properly installed and maintained, and that all appliances and devices are properly grounded.

High-Current Devices

High-current devices, such as air conditioners and electric ovens, can cause a tripped breaker if they're not connected to a dedicated circuit. To prevent this, make sure that these high-current devices are connected to a dedicated circuit that is rated for the amount of current they require.

Weather-Related Issues

Weather-related issues, such as lightning strikes or power surges, can cause a tripped breaker. To prevent this, make sure that your home's electrical system is properly grounded and that you have surge protectors installed on all of your appliances and devices.

Old or Outdated Electrical Panel

An old or outdated electrical panel can cause a tripped breaker. As your home ages, the electrical system may become outdated, and the electrical panel may not be able to handle the current load. To prevent this, consider upgrading your electrical panel to a newer one that is better equipped to handle the current load.

Loose Connections

Loose connections between the wires and the breaker can cause a tripped breaker. To prevent this, make sure that all connections are tight and secure.

Faulty Breaker

A faulty breaker can cause a tripped breaker. This can happen if the breaker is worn out or if there is a manufacturing defect. To prevent this, make sure that all of your breakers are in good working condition, and consider replacing any that are worn out or malfunctioning.

Pests

Pests, such as mice and squirrels, can cause a tripped breaker by gnawing on wires. To prevent this, make sure that your home is properly sealed to prevent pests from getting inside, and consider using pest-repellent products around the exterior of your home.

Improperly Sized Breaker:

Lastly, an improperly sized breaker can cause a tripped breaker. If the breaker is not rated for the amount of current that is flowing through the circuit, it can become overloaded and trip. To prevent this, make sure that your breakers are the correct size for the circuits they are protecting. If you are unsure about the size of your breakers, consult with a licensed electrician for guidance.

Tools/equipment and their average cost

Tool/Equipment	Description	Estimated Cost
Voltage tester	A tool used to test for voltage in wires and circuits.	$10 - $40
Multimeter	A tool used to measure voltage, current, and resistance.	$15 - $50
Circuit breaker finder	A tool used to locate the specific circuit breaker that corresponds to a specific electrical circuit.	$20 - $40
Screwdriver	A tool used to remove and replace electrical panel covers and tighten connections.	$5 - $20
Wire stripper	A tool used to strip the insulation from wires.	$5 - $15
Fish tape	A tool used to guide wires through wall and ceiling cavities.	$10 - $30
Circuit breaker lock-out kit	A tool used to lock out and tag a breaker to prevent it from being turned on while maintenance or repairs are being done.	$20 - $50
Extension cord	A cord used to extend the reach of power tools.	$10 - $30
GFCI receptacle tester	A tool used to test Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets to ensure they are functioning properly.	$10 - $20

Types of electrical panels and their pros and cons

Type of Electrical Panel	Pros	Cons
Circuit breaker panel	Provides protection against overloading and short-circuiting, easy to upgrade and add new circuits, widely available and relatively inexpensive.	Can take up a lot of space, older models may not be compatible with modern appliances and devices, not suitable for large power demands.
Subpanel	Provides additional circuits for heavy loads, can be easily added to existing electrical systems.	Can be costly to install, may require additional wiring and conduit, may not offer the same level of protection as a main circuit breaker panel.
Fused panel	Provides protection against overloading, easy to upgrade and add new circuits, can be less expensive than a circuit breaker panel.	Not suitable for large power demands, fuses can be difficult to find and replace, may not provide as much protection against short-circuiting.
Generator panel	Can provide power during power outages, can be connected to a generator or backup power source.	Can be expensive to install, may require additional wiring and conduit, may not provide the same level of protection as a main circuit breaker panel.
Smart panel	Provides remote monitoring and control of electrical usage, can provide alerts for potential issues.	Can be expensive to install, may require additional wiring and conduit, may not provide the same level of protection as a main circuit breaker panel.