Light switch trips breaker There are two light switches in the bedroom, one for the ceiling light and one for two Halo can lights above the head of the bed. Some contractors disconnected all these wires when redoing my ceiling but didnt put them back and i didnt see how they were wired before. I have triple checked all wires match the aforementioned diagram. ' -After resetting the breaker, I bypassed the switch completely and the light worked. Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. If the new light switch keeps tripping the breaker, it may be faulty from the manufacturer or the electrician installing the switch incorrectly. As soon as I flip the breaker switch back on it trips. Other potential reasons why this is happening include the electrician installing the light switch incorrectly or causing a fault in the existing electrical system. SAFETY: Be sure to flip the breaker off when inspecting or troubleshooting any electrical issue. So what now? What to do after you check and realize that flipping the circuit breaker’s switch isn’t the solution to your problem? Mar 31, 2022 · So, why does my GFCI trip when I turn on the light switch? Your GFCI will trip when you turn on a light switch if the neutral connection and ground are tied. Put old switch Aug 29, 2025 · A power breaker trip shuts power to a circuit and can signal other problems. The first one was in the kitchen. But the next night, the same thing happenedleaving the outdoor lights ON overnight, the next morning, the breaker was tripped. I changed the ballast and everything was good. Sep 26, 2017 · That doesn't make sense. Jan 6, 2024 · I have a new construction home (2 years old) and, out of the blue, an AFCI breaker tripped when turning on a light switch in a bedroom which controls a ceiling fan / light combination. Aug 4, 2021 · I’ll show you why your outdoor lights keep tripping and how to resolve the issue with the help of 6 common electrical problems. As Ray said, disconnect the wire from the breaker and see if the breaker resets. They are correct per my Black & Decker Complete Guild to Home Wiring, and the first few pictures on google that came up. Box is way overfilled by a previous electrician so the bigger and deeper dimmer switch led to even less room and the exposed ground making contact. It has three white wires and three black wires. This post will go into seven possible reasons why your 3 way light switch keeps tripping breaker. It is 6-month-old new construction and everything worked just fine until a week ago. One switch on side A and two switches on side B. You also need to be using a meter or two probe tester. Fortunately, this guide has some answers. This post aims to help you A faulty light switch can cause a breaker to trip if it is not functioning properly. I've had a little trouble doing it. If this suddenly happens without any increase in power usage, you need to check the light switch connected to the A circuit breaker “trips” or shuts off the electrical flow to prevent the circuit from overheating and causing damage, or even possibly an electrical fire. Got it connected so fan turns on. Learn more now! Oct 17, 2024 · The light switch in my garage works fine most of the time, but once a fortnight or so, when I switch the light off, there's a pop and sparks from the switch, and the circuit breaker trips. Now, when I turn either of the 3 way switches ON, the breaker trips immediately. Test Appliances: If the breaker stays on after resetting, plug in appliances one at a time and switch them on. Three Romex (black, white, ground type) coming out of wall where switch and outlet are. When my switch is on Power out in one room but your breaker has not tripped? With this guide, learn to identify and fix issues like loose connections, faulty wiring, or a tripped GFCI outlet. But sometimes that’s not the case, and it might be that the power doesn’t seem to be working despite the breaker not having tripped at all. One line powers a light fixture before a switch. The light is on a circuit that allows a switch on the main floor to turn on/off the light, as well as the switch I replac Jul 5, 2024 · If your circuit breaker trips and won't reset there are a few pieces of equipment you should check to make sure everything is working properly: Damaged breakers, Electrical shorts, Loose wiring, Corrosion, Damaged insulation I have several MR16 2 pin style light bulbs in my kitchen - The other day the trip switch for the light bulbs tripped when turning these bulbs on - I went and flipped the trip switch and tried agai Apr 25, 2007 · Hello I have 2 switches for my garage light one in the garage and one in the kitchen. Nov 27, 2024 · In addition to a bad light switch, there are other reasons for a circuit breaker to trip. Every time a dimmer switch is hooked up and switched on, it trips the breaker. If you're treating this as a neutral, that'll definitely trip the GFCI and/or the breaker. The GFCI trips because it recognizes a drop in voltage that can be potentially dangerous as a safety precaution. this is a new problem and the light in the room is the cieling fan electrical outlet Contractor's Assistant: It sounds frustrating to deal with electrical issues like that. Before installing this light fixture, wh Is your breaker tripping when you turn on the light switch? Discover expert answers and solutions to common electrical issues in our Q&A page! Mar 11, 2011 · We just installed a new light switch for some under cabinet lighting. May 1, 2025 · Is your circuit breaker constantly tripping? Discover the top reasons why it happens, what it means for your home’s safety, and when to call a licensed electrician. The circuit breaker’s primary role is to safeguard your home from electrical hazards, so when it trips, it’s doing its job to prevent potential electrical fires or other dangers. We then change the LED flood lamps to another line and again they tripped that breaker. A breaker will trip when Hot is connected to Neutral or Ground without first flowing through a load (short circuit). There was was also a loud-ish buzzing sound in the wall for a few seconds and the trip happened immediately. The two bedroom are connected or side by side and thus operating off the same breaker. The switch may be worn out, the wires loose, the circuit breaker flipped off, or you may need to open the electrical box to tighten the wires. Power enters the first switch box, from there 12/3 goes to the second switch, where the feeds to the lights […] Turning the light(s) OFF or ON/OFF either via light switch or relay causes a GFCI breaker to trip, even on an unrelated circuit. GFCI Trips When Light Switch Is Turned On/Off 1). The switches may appear to work OK, however the more a switch is used, the more worn out the contacts get, which in turn creates a larger gap between the contact materials which could create an arc that contributes to a tripping AFCI breaker. When turned on it tripped the breaker. Mar 30, 2013 · I had a four T8 lamp, electronic ballast fluorescent fixture that tripped the GFCI breaker when the switch was turned on. Several factors can cause your breaker to trip Dec 7, 2008 · I have a three-way switch controlling a couple of lights. Does your circuit breaker trip every time you flip on a light switch? In this video, I explain a common yet surprising cause — a burned-out light bulb shorti Jul 21, 2022 · Breaker Keeps Tripping When Light Switch Is Turned On Say you’ve installed some brand new lighting, and every single time you try to switch them on via the dimmer, it’s tripping the breaker immediately. I have changed the switch out with a new one, but the problem A circuit breaker that repeatedly trips is more than just an annoying inconvenience; it’s a sign of an issue within your electrical system that requires attention. Convention is to bring power from light to the switch on the white insulated conductor, and in this case someone even took the time to re-identify as hot. It would be highly unlikely that two switched circuits would become shorted at the same time unless it's a three way system with two or more switches. I have replaced both the breaker and the switch. Feb 18, 2021 · In addition, if the led lightbulbs are removed (two fixtures) and the hallway light switch is flipped on or off, it does not trip the GFCI. Why is this? Is it more likely to be the GFCI being fault Jun 18, 2025 · Test for overloaded circuits by resetting your breaker and plugging in devices until it trips again. org Don’t you just hate it when a light switch trips the breaker? Aside from being annoying, the underlying issues may cause serious damage. If the ground goes live the whole circuit goes live on the ground right? Mar 15, 2023 · Your breaker switch will trip whenever it detects an electrical current greater than the circuit system’s rated value. It tripped the breaker. And then it’s just a case of resetting the breaker once you’ve identified the device that caused the fault, and everything will work again. Two Romex (black, white, ground type) coming out of ceiling. I put the switch back into the wall and tested again. However if both switches are in the up position, the breaker trips. Side A switch controls same light as one switch on Side B. Wrong Wiring: 4. Our Story Our journey designing innovative devices had immersed us in convoluted electronics. That switch is the last item on the circuit, furthest from the Jan 1, 2024 · Sometimes the problem can be solved by adjusting the load and at other times the only solution is to replace the circuit breaker. Frequent Tripping: If your circuit breaker trips frequently without any apparent reason, it could be a sign of a faulty switch. If I turn the breaker on while the switch is ON, the lights turn on and everything looks good. Oct 17, 2018 · Breaker Trips When I Turn The Light On There are different reasons why a breaker will trip/reset when you turn on a light using a wall switch. Understanding the potential issues and recognizing the signs of a malfunctioning switch can help you take proactive measures to protect your home. Sep 4, 2023 · New light switch keeps tripping breaker? It’s possible that the new light or switch is faulty from the manufacturer. Discover why your circuit breaker keeps tripping and how to fix it. What could be the Sep 26, 2017 · Turning on an outdoor light fixture should give you light, but you may be unfortunate enough to hear the distinctive sound of a circuit breaker tripping and see all the lights on that circuit go out. The device that caused the trip is overloading the circuit. It worked. When electricity flows along an unintended path—such as through water, salt, or damaged insulation—it causes a sudden surge that trips the breaker for safety. See full list on galvinpower. Sep 14, 2019 · This breaker covers the overhead lighting (13 recessed flood lights) for 2 rooms and vanity lighting (4 LED bulbs) and 2 outlets (1 is GFCI) in a bathroom. . Electrical Burning Smell: This indicates a serious problem that requires immediate attention. Apr 26, 2020 · The circuit breaker for our kitchen lights trips instantly when I turn on ANY light switch on that circuit. Everything worked as expected until a few months ago, one of the 3 way switches in the kitchen started tripping the breaker, so I stopped using it and just used the other switch for that light. This means that power comes to the light, then a loop drops to the switch to switch the circuit on and off. Tripped GFCI/Breaker: How to Fix a Double Light Switch Not Working? Resetting a Breaker: Steps to Reset a Breaker: Rewiring/Replacing a Dec 13, 2022 · Don’t know what to do when your circuit breaker keeps tripping? Don’t worry, because we have an informative guide on the topic to help you identify the cause! 1) Always turn the circuit breaker off, and use a voltmeter or test light to make sure you are not dealing with any live circuits. Wiring Issues: Damaged or outdated wiring can lead to electrical faults that trigger the breaker when lights are turned on. I have a ceiling light fixture that trips the circuit breaker every time the single pole switch is flipped. Which can lead to Jul 16, 2025 · When a light goes out in your home, it's easy to follow a simple troubleshooting routine: check the light switch, inspect the bulb, and take a look at your circuit breaker. Light Bulbs and Tripping AFCI We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. The device or socket that always trips the breaker likely has a short circuit. So we Overloading the Circuit: Overloading the circuit by connecting too many devices or appliances can also cause the breaker to trip when turning off a light. The device basically threw whatever breaker that plug was attached to so he new which one needed work on and made the circuit safe. Jun 10, 2023 · GFCI Tripping Cause: GFCI trips due to faulty wiring, overheating bulb, water in light fixture, or a damaged thermistor. Problem Identification: Check wiring, bulb heat, water in fixture, and thermistor condition. So, before you go outside to visit your breaker box yet again, take a moment to determine the root cause of the flipped switch. I figured I'd start ruling out components one by one. 99% certain that was there to mark the white as the always-hot wire in a switch loop. Jul 20, 2013 · So I have this situation where 3 transformers controlled from a pair 3 way switches trips the gfci circuit breaker when the switch is turned off. Jul 24, 2014 · I have a light switch that trips the breaker every time it is put into the on position. Jun 29, 2023 · I have two pool lights connected to a 15a Square D GFCI breaker. Aug 4, 2022 · What Is a Double Light Switch? What Can Cause a Double Light Switch to Malfunction? Causes Behind a Malfunctioning Light Switch: 1. Sep 29, 2022 · I'm 99. For example, if the switch is stuck in the on position, it can cause the circuit to overload and trip the breaker. Contractor's Assistant chat Customer: My bedroom light switch has started to throw the breaker when I turn the power on. When I turn off the lights it trips the circuit breaker. If the cable is damaged, that might take more time to fix depending on where the damaged cable is located. Whenever the can lights are switched on, the AFCI trips. Then black wire to carry switched hot from the switch to the fixture, so the fixture itself can be black to black and white to white. When I had it installed with just a three prong outlet, everything was working fine. I replac Sep 25, 2025 · Faulty light fixtures can cause short circuits, leading to the breaker tripping when the lights are activated. Inside the house the wires are When i turn the light switch to the on position and then turn on the circuit breaker the lights come on. Mar 1, 2024 · Electrical Faults Fixed - Main Fuse Breaker Keeps Tripping There are several reasons that a breaker, a RCD, a trip switch, or Main Fuse Breaker might trip. I’ve confirmed that the non-home run boxes (that are taking power from the home run) are receiving power when no device is flipped on. I've replaced the living room 3-way with a new switch. The wall switch indicates "on" and is in the up position while the outside lights are actually off. After a bit of troubleshooting I've found that each light works individually but trips the Jul 10, 2009 · Hi All: My house is 7 years old and about 1 week ago the Arc Fault Breaker that controls one bedroom (lights and outlets) and a hall light and closet light kept tripping. See below for the reasons why flipping on a light switch could cause a breaker to trip/flip/reset. Jun 21, 2022 · A light switch may trip the circuit breaker if there’s a short circuit, faulty wiring, or moisture intrusion. my current set up is a hallway with a two way switch (picture p1 and p2) that powers 1 light source. Turn off the breaker, by actually going to the box and flipping it, not the bootleg way of just flipping the switch and tripping it. I tried to pigtail the incoming power to feed both outgoing power wires. Every time I tried, it tripped the breaker in the main panel. Oct 3, 2024 · Circuit breaker keeps tripping? Don't just reset and forget. We became devoted to unraveling even quantum-complex circuits, diagram by diagram, so anyone eager to learn can unlock these secrets. Broken Switch: 5. If we leave this switch in the "off" position with the lights on, the breaker does not trip. The orher line feeds 2 outlets and 2 lights after another switch. The wiring Here's the scoop: There are 3 switches in my hallway. Learn how to reset a tripped breaker, its causes, and long-term fixes. Feb 28, 2025 · Learn why your house circuit breaker keeps tripping and how to find and fix short circuits. It is a double switch, connected both black wires to each screw labeled positive and two white wires on other side of switch and but the bare copper under the green screw. Both switches can turn the light on and off. The breaker may be wired with a switch loop, a double/single throw, or has loose connections. Burning Smell: A burning odor near a switch is a clear indication of overheating and potential failure. If the issue occurs when the switch is turned on, then the wire connected to the Nov 11, 2022 · 0 I just re-wired a single pole light switch to a 3 way (using 14-3 wires) - following the diagram as laid out here but when I have the lone switch in the down position and move the one that is being fed from the box it immediately trips the breaker. I've checked and rechecked the wires. What Are the Common Causes of Outdoor Light Tripping? Outdoor lighting can brighten our pathway home or scare away potential burglars, but at times, it may also lead to light trips. Loose Connections: 2. The first troubleshooting step we did was to replace the Lutron with a standard rocker switch and the problem persisted. How to Fix a Light Switch That Trips a Breaker When a light switch trips a breaker, there are several possible reasons for this. What can you do about it, and how to keep it from happening… Aug 19, 2023 · Light switch sparks and trips the breaker? A short circuit in the light fitting, light switch or cable is likely reason for the breaker tripping. Discoloration: Look for any discoloration or charring around the switch, which can signal overheating and damage. Find out the most common causes of power outages and how to prevent them from happening again. If the old light fixture works and the circuit breaker trips when turned Apr 29, 2018 · Old house. It will show you why some GFCIs trip in response to light switches, fans, and breakers. Oct 25, 2010 · Electrical - AC & DC - Breaker trips when light switch is turned on - I live in a 3 bedroom townhouse. Oct 3, 2011 · A breaker that holds for a second or two, buzzes, then trips is usually an indication of an overload or a short that is not a ‘dead short’. Where can I get one of those boxes, or a way I can trip the breaker from the outlet? Jun 11, 2020 · Tried installing a new light switch in the bathroom. A ‘dead short’ would trip the breaker instantly. Ignoring Grounding Issues: Neglecting proper grounding of the electrical system can result in a short circuit and trip the breaker when powering off a light. 2) This video is intended for someone that just installed a new AFCI breaker trips when I flip any switch (on the same circuit) to light fixture. Signs of physical damage, like scorch marks or overheating, on the switches or breaker panel. Instead of calling an electrician, you can troubleshoot the switch and the circuit to find the source of the problem. Normally when your power goes out, the circuit breaker trips everything to keep you safe. Aug 7, 2023 · I recently replaced an old light switch on my second floor with a new one. Depending upon the type of trip switch that is tripping there could be a variety of causes. It expects a balance between the two. We realized mastery doesn't require elite degrees or industry secrets—just knowledge presented coherently. The breaker started tripping recently. You need to focus on what the switch that trips the breaker controls. 2 standard (non-dimmer) switches have worked without issue, but I have tried 2 Lutron dimmer switches as well as a smart If it trips right away still then the short is down in the wire in the conduit and entire assembly will still need to be replaced A bit confusing because you said GFCI circuit breaker, do you mean the light plug into a GFCI receptacle or do you just mean like a typical looking circuit breaker (black flip switch)? Sep 8, 2023 · Why does my breaker keep tripping with nothing plugged in? There are many reasons for why a breaker might trip such as a faulty light fitting, light switch or power point. Wiring issues can also be caused by damaged or outdated fixtures. When we moved in both worked and now if you hit the switch in the kitchen it trips the breaker. In both cases, the load on the breaker was less than 5 amps. The common signs of an overloaded circuit are warm receptacles, discoloration on switches, and burning smells. Even mechanically inclined people can be stumped trying to solve the problem. Mar 6, 2025 · Conclusion A faulty light switch may seem like a minor inconvenience, but it can lead to significant safety hazards, including circuit breaker tripping. Turning on one switch and the breaker trips makes sense. Test for short circuits by resetting your breaker and plugging in items into different sockets. GFCI’s Role: GFCIs prevent electrocution by cutting off abnormal electrical currents. It might be useful for you to know that when I moved to this house Jan 8, 2024 · Electrical - AC & DC - Breaker trips when neutral and ground touch on arc fault breakers - touching ground and neutral breaker tripes had a new main panel that had arc fault breakers and gfi breakers in / was putting in a new light with switch off touch the neutral and ground the breker tripe it seem to do it on Jun 3, 2024 · While many breaker issues can be resolved by homeowners, certain situations warrant professional assistance: Repeated Tripping: If the breaker continues to trip despite troubleshooting, an electrician can diagnose the underlying issue. When lighting wires where connected and the wires from electrical box were connected, the first time we turned on the power and the lights came on when the switch was off. Struggling with a light switch that trips the breaker? Discover expert answers and solutions for faulty switches, wiring issues, and more on our Q&A page! The breaker trips even when the outside lights are turned off and it won't reset. Oct 16, 2024 · When the light switch is not working, it's often a common problem because switches are used so frequently. Keep reading to learn more. Check the switches and the receptacles for a wire that has come loose, or is somehow shorting the hot to neutral or ground. By simplifying electronics fundamentals, we hope to ignite Apr 29, 2014 · The basement will have a new bedroom so the owner has requested an AFCI breaker for that room. Sep 21, 2012 · Re-setting the breaker, had the outdoor lights operating again. Either a ground wire touching the switch hot (why some switches have tape wrap around them) or there is a short somewhere between the switch and light. Feb 21, 2022 · These lights are controlled by a Lutron PD-5S-DV switch. Damaged Cables: 3. There is nothing plugged into the receptacles but every time I turn the switch to the light on, the breaker trips. Feb 7, 2025 · Your light switch breaker keeps tripping, even when there doesn’t seem to be anything wrong with your appliances or wiring. If it does, turn it off, disconnect the outside light and cap the wires, hook up the wire to the breaker again and try Aug 30, 2021 · When the main light switch is turned on and the breaker trips, of course the spa light does not turn on. In fact when it tripped I turned off all the switches, unplugged everything and still the breaker would immediately trip Sep 29, 2025 · Causes for lights with no power but the breaker is not tripped include a tripped GFCI, old outlets, and damaged wiring. I'm trying to install some smart light switches into my house. What could be the cause? For some additional detail, when I turn the breaker on, it stays on (ie doesn’t trip). Trying to install new bathroom exhaust/light kit on one switch. I have checked inside the pool power panel, and inside the American Products junction box for the main light -- found no obvious issues (opens or shorts). Any thoughts??? Diagram looks right to me. If I turn the breaker on while the switch is OFF, the breaker immediately trips. The solution to this problem can be relatively simple like replacing the light fitting, bulb, or light switch. And Sep 3, 2023 · 3 way light switch keeps tripping breaker? There are several possible reasons for this including blown bulbs, faulty light fittings, faulty switches and damaged or loose wires. Why do outdoor lights trip? Here are some of the most common reasons: Just weird it only blew the breaker once but I guess the slight vibration caused it to contact. If the breaker trips when a specific appliance is used, that appliance is likely faulty. A few days ago, the other switch started tripping the breaker also. There is a light switch in the bathroom, a light switch in one room and a dual switch in the other (one for each room). I I have a light switch that powers some exterior lights in the backyard. Neutral Ground Connection The GFCI operates by analyzing the voltage going out of the panel and coming back in. In my bedroom I have a light wired to a plug and three receptacles. I then purchased a single pole switch (no dimmer). Still trips the Breaker is tripping because there's a short, like the other response said. Circuit breakers protect your home and family, so fix that situation with these tips. Safety: Always switch off power, use insulated tools, and consider professional help I have one power line that feeds 2 lines. Dec 11, 2019 · I moved into my house 7 years ago, replaced light fixtures and light switches. Without a breaker, the wires can overheat and start an electrical fire. Dec 30, 2016 · The electrician had a small homemade switch box with a 120v mains plug running out of it and a switch on the front. Mar 22, 2025 · Faulty Light Fixtures: A malfunctioning light fixture may create a short circuit, leading to your breaker tripping when the lights are activated. I wanted to replace the single pole switch with a dimmer switch (which I have done many times before in other locations). Turn switch off and breaker trips Nov 6, 2023 · If the breaker trips right when you turn on the switch, then there is a short. Jan 6, 2017 · I just installed 2 new 3 way switches and a new light. When a circuit breaker trips it can be for a variety of reasons. Another pop and the breaker tripped again. I replaced the switch but it didn't help and now the light doesn't work at all. I installed it and tested the light. I replaced the switch on Side A Dec 15, 2023 · When a breaker trips, its switch automatically flips “off,” and it must be manually turned back on to restore electricity to the circuit. But what happens when everything appears to be in order, and yet, part of your house is without power and the breaker hasn’t tripped? Jun 14, 2023 · It’s incredibly frustrating when one or more outlets suddenly stop working, but if you find that the problem isn’t a tripped circuit switch, the situation becomes even more confusing. Every so often, roughly a 1/20 chance, flipping the light switch to my laundry room's fluorescent fixture will trip the nearby GFCI outlet. exniolw uthgc pxauxg vrnqg cvgega wmakxr tjeto yzjjmg yzfd jlgoxr fso kvos cjtgr ftkwdw ufgtv