Click. Silence. Darkness.
You’re in the middle of cooking dinner, your favorite playlist is thumping, and suddenly—click—everything stops. Your breaker just tripped. Again.
Frustrating? Definitely. Annoying? Of course. But also, a potentially serious electrical red flag that could be costing you more than just inconvenience.
At Jett Electrical Services, we’ve helped countless homeowners and businesses in Edmonton track down the real reasons their breakers keep tripping. And no—it’s not always because you’re “using too much power.”
This blog goes beyond the basics. We’re going to unravel what’s really behind your tripped breaker, show you how to fix it, and include a surprise tool to help you gauge how close your home is to its electrical limit. 👇
What’s a Breaker Actually Doing?
Think of your breaker panel as your home’s electrical bodyguard. Each breaker is assigned to a specific area or appliance in your home. When the current flowing through one line exceeds a safe limit—boom, the breaker trips. That’s its job: to stop electricity before it overheats wires and potentially causes a fire.
So while tripping breakers are annoying, they’re keeping you safe.
But when it starts happening often, there’s more going on behind the scenes—and that’s when it’s time to act.
Top 5 Reasons Your Breaker Keeps Tripping
1. Circuit Overload (The Classic Culprit)
You’ve got your toaster, coffee maker, microwave, air fryer, and phone charger all plugged into the same kitchen circuit. Add one more appliance, and—pop!
Fix: Spread out your devices. Use different outlets on different circuits, or ask an electrician to add a dedicated circuit for high-use appliances.
2. Short Circuit (The Dangerous One)
A short circuit happens when a hot wire touches a neutral or ground wire. It creates a surge of electricity and trips the breaker instantly. You may notice a burning smell or discoloration near outlets.
Fix: Shut off power immediately. This is a fire risk. Call in a pro to inspect the wiring and outlets.
3. Ground Fault (The Silent Tripper)
Especially common in bathrooms, kitchens, and garages, a ground fault occurs when electricity escapes to the ground. Breakers with GFCI protection will trip in response.
Fix: Check for moisture damage or faulty devices plugged in nearby. A licensed electrician should assess the outlets and wiring.
4. Old or Undersized Panel (Outdated Defenses)
If your home was built before widescreen TVs, gaming PCs, and smart appliances were the norm, your panel might simply be too small for today’s power needs.
Fix: It’s time to upgrade to a modern breaker panel. Jett Electrical can upgrade your panel to handle today’s tech without tripping.
5. A Faulty Breaker (Yes, That Happens Too)
Sometimes it’s not your home—it’s the breaker itself. Age, corrosion, or poor installation can cause a breaker to fail and trip without cause.
Fix: Have your panel inspected. A single breaker replacement is a fast and affordable fix—if caught early.
What You Think Helps (But Doesn’t)
A lot of homeowners try these quick “fixes,” which often make things worse:
- Using power bars to plug in 10 things from one outlet.
- Taping the breaker in the “on” position (dangerous—never do this).
- Replacing a tripping 15A breaker with a 20A one without upgrading wiring.
Surprise twist? These DIY fixes can void your insurance and double your fire risk.
Are You Pushing Your Panel Too Hard?
Here’s where it gets fun—and useful.
Use this Power Load Checker Chart to estimate your usage on one circuit. If you’re near or above the limit, it’s time for a professional fix.
| Appliance | Approx. Wattage | Amps on 120V Circuit |
|---|---|---|
| Toaster | 1,200 W | 10 A |
| Microwave | 1,500 W | 12.5 A |
| Coffee Maker | 900 W | 7.5 A |
| Hair Dryer | 1,800 W | 15 A |
| Space Heater | 1,500 W | 12.5 A |
| Laptop + Phone Charging | 300 W | 2.5 A |
| LED Lights (5 bulbs) | 50 W | 0.5 A |
| Vacuum Cleaner | 1,200 W | 10 A |
💥 Max safe limit per 15A breaker? About 12 amps.
If you’re over that—even temporarily—your breaker will trip.
🔌 What Happens If You Ignore It?
Here’s what letting your breaker trip “for now” could lead to:
- Damaged wiring inside your walls
- Ruined appliances from surges
- Sparks or arcs that lead to fires
- Overheating outlets and panel damage
- Insurance claim rejections if something goes wrong
The Right Way to Fix It (And Future-Proof Your Power)
At Jett Electrical Services, our expert team can assess your entire system, identify overloads, and provide real, lasting fixes.
✅ Breaker Replacement – When the part is faulty
✅ Circuit Additions – So each appliance has its own safe home
✅ Panel Upgrades – To modernize and expand capacity
✅ Wiring Repair – If heat, rodents, or age are weakening your safety
✅ Load Calculations – To ensure everything’s balanced and efficient
👷 Why Edmonton Trusts Jett Electrical Services
Founded in 2024, Jett Electrical Services has quickly become a local leader in reliable, professional residential and commercial electrical work. We’re not a big franchise—we’re your neighbors. And that means we care deeply about the safety, functionality, and comfort of your home or business.
Here’s what you can expect with every visit:
- Master & Red Seal Electricians
- Transparent, competitive pricing
- Expertise in renovations, service upgrades, LED lighting, and more
- Friendly, clean, punctual service
- Projects completed on time—and on budget
Stop Flipping the Switch—Start Fixing the Problem
A breaker that keeps tripping isn’t just annoying—it’s your home crying out for help. And the longer you ignore it, the greater the risk of real damage.
Let the pros at Jett Electrical Services get your home powered properly—and safely.
📱 Call now at 780-246-3852
🔌 Or request a quote online: https://jettelectrical.ca/contact-us/
Because your home’s power shouldn’t be a gamble. And your peace of mind? That’s worth flipping for.
