What this usually means
A breaker that trips repeatedly is doing its job: it is interrupting a circuit that is drawing more current than it is rated for, or that has a fault. The trip is a symptom, not the problem. Stop resetting it and have the cause identified, because repeated resetting can keep an unsafe condition energised.
The common causes
An electrician works through 6 conditions that all produce does my breaker keep tripping. They are listed so you can describe what you are seeing accurately — not so you can decide which one applies, because several of them look identical from outside the equipment.
- Circuit overload — Total connected load exceeds the circuit rating, often after a new appliance, heater or tool is added.
- Short circuit — A hot conductor contacting a neutral or ground, usually at a damaged cable, device or appliance cord.
- Ground fault — Current leaking to ground, commonly where moisture reaches a device, fixture or exterior circuit.
- Arc fault — An AFCI breaker detecting the signature of arcing, which can come from damaged cable, a loose termination or some appliances.
- Failed appliance — A single appliance drawing a fault. Unplugging suspect items one at a time can narrow it, without opening anything.
- Failed or undersized breaker — Breakers wear. A breaker that trips at well under its rating may itself have failed, but it must never simply be replaced with a larger one.
What to note before you call
For this symptom specifically, 5 observations do most of the work. All of them can be noted without opening any electrical equipment. Having them ready turns a vague call into a productive one and shortens the diagnostic visit.
- Which rooms, outlets or appliances go dead when it trips
- Whether it trips immediately or after a period of use
- What was plugged in or switched on just before
- Any burning smell, warmth, buzzing, discolouration or scorch marks
- Whether it started after new equipment, weather or building work
What happens next
An electrician tests the circuit, isolates the cause and explains what the repair involves before doing it. Where this points at breaker and fuse box repair, that page covers what the work usually includes and what changes the scope.