Is Rain Tripping Your Circuit Breakers?

When the weather is nice and dry you have no issues. But as soon as there is a heavy rain you have a circuit breaker that trips. Why does this keep happening?

There can be a few answers to this but one in particular could be that water is somehow making contact with your electrical system. If not taken care of soon, it could become a serious problem or hazard. Electricity and water should never mix—especially in or around your home.

As electricity comes into your home through wiring, circuit breakers serve as a means of defense from overloads. If too many amps are brought into a circuit, serious damage could occur. A circuit breaker constantly monitors the flow of electricity acting like a reusable fuse. If the amperage of electricity exceeds the circuit’s rated amount, the breaker trips stopping the flow of electricity.

Do your exterior outlets have covers?

All exterior electrical outlets should have an outlet cover or be protected by an outlet box. If this is not the case with your home, rain can make its way into your exterior outlets causing a short and tripping your breaker. Your exterior outlets should also have a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). A GFCI outlet protects you from electrocution. It contains a small circuit breaker that trips when it detects a short circuit.

Do you use extension cords to power outside lights?

Are you running extension cords in your yard to power exterior lights? If so, check them for damage. When extension cords are left outside over time, they can become frayed or cracked. Water from a sprinkler or rainstorm can make its way in, causing a short and making the circuit breaker trip. Never use interior extension cords outside. They are not made to be water tight or to withstand outside elements. Extension cords should only be for temporary use. If you need a permanent solution, consider having Bradley Mechanical’s team of electricians run a new electrical line to where it is needed.

Check your exterior light fixtures.

Many homes are decorated with outdoor light fixtures. Often located in yards or landscaping, these lights can be broken by animals, people, and outdoor elements. If the housing or casing for the light is compromised and the wiring is exposed, it can certainly cause a circuit breaker to trip if it comes in contact with water.

Is your roof leaking?

Leaks in your roof can also be the reason your circuit breaker trips whenever there is a heavy rain. Water in your attic is never a good thing especially because this is where most of your home’s wiring is located. Check for the obvious signs of moisture like mold and wet insulation.

Bradley Mechanical has master electricians ready to help troubleshoot whatever electrical problems you may have in your home. Whether it be replacing faulty wiring, adding new light fixtures or upgrading your circuit panels, our trusted team members can get it done right. Give us a call today at (804) 748-6728.