---
title: "What Is Tripping? Electrical Glossary | Daniel Electric"
description: "Tripping is when a circuit breaker automatically switches off to stop current flow after an overload, short circuit or ground fault."
url: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/tripping
publisher: Daniel Electric
phone: +1-817-481-8606
quote: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact
---

Safety devices

# Tripping

Tripping is when a circuit breaker automatically switches off to stop current flow after an overload, short circuit or ground fault.

A breaker is built to open the circuit on its own when current is too high. That opening is called tripping. OSHA defines a [circuit breaker](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/circuit-breaker) as a device that opens the circuit automatically on a predetermined overcurrent. Common causes are an [overload](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/overload), a [short circuit](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/short-circuit) or a ground fault.

CPSC advises that a tripped breaker is often a warning that the circuit is overloaded. Do not just reset it again and again. If a breaker keeps tripping, unplug devices on that circuit and call a licensed electrician. See [why a breaker keeps tripping](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/blog/breaker-keeps-tripping).

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

## Related terms

-   [Circuit breaker](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/circuit-breaker)
-   [Overload](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/overload)
-   [Short circuit](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/short-circuit)
-   [Nuisance tripping](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/nuisance-tripping)

## Sources

1.  [OSHA: 1910.399 Definitions applicable to this subpart](https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.399)
2.  [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)

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