---
title: "What Is Nuisance tripping? Electrical Glossary | Daniel Electric"
description: "Nuisance tripping is when a breaker shuts off a circuit again and again with no obvious fault, often tied to arcing, moisture or a device on the circuit."
url: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/nuisance-tripping
publisher: Daniel Electric
phone: +1-817-481-8606
quote: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact
---

Safety devices

# Nuisance tripping

Nuisance tripping is when a breaker shuts off a circuit again and again with no obvious fault, often tied to arcing, moisture or a device on the circuit.

A breaker that trips again and again is not always a false alarm. Repeat trips can point to an [overload](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/overload), damaged wiring or an [arc fault](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/arc-fault). An [AFCI](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/afci) breaker can also trip when it senses arcing from a worn cord or appliance, and moisture can trip a GFCI.

Treat each repeat trip as a message until someone finds the cause. Unplug the newest device on the circuit and see whether the trips stop. Work inside the panel or outlet boxes belongs to a licensed electrician. See [electrical warning signs](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/guides/electrical-warning-signs).

[Daniel Electric can helpElectrical panel repair and replacement](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/electrical-panel-repair-replacement)

## Related terms

-   [Tripping](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/tripping)
-   [AFCI](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/afci)
-   [Arc fault](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/arc-fault)
-   [Overload](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/overload)

## Sources

1.  [U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Commission Closes Investigation Of FPE Circuit Breakers And Provides Safety Information For Consumers](https://www.cpsc.gov/Newsroom/News-Releases/1983/Commission-Closes-Investigation-Of-FPE-Circuit-Breakers-And-Provides-Safety-Information-For-Consumers)
2.  [Electrical Safety Foundation International: Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs)](https://www.esfi.org/arc-fault-circuit-interrupters-afcis-prevent-electrical-fires/)

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## Need an electrician in Southlake?

Call and tell us what is going on. A photo of the panel label or the problem helps us come prepared. Quotes on new installations are free.

[Call (817) 481-8606](tel:+1-817-481-8606)[Get a quote](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact)

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