Learn the proper way to figure out reasons for a circuit breaker tripping in a home—as well as when to let an electrician do the sleuthing.

We asked an expert to explain all the problems that can cause tripped circuits, how to check your circuit breaker, and when to call a professional.

Call a licensed, highly rated electrician. Your home's circuit breakers are crucial safety devices and they're working as designed, says Paul Hampton, owner of A-1 Electric Co. Inc., a highly ...

The circuit breaker should trip if, say, a wire comes loose and touches the metal housing of your toaster. Or a squirrel gets into your attic and chomps through an electrical conductor (RIP, buddy).

Remember, circuit breakers usually trip for a reason. Taking a methodical approach to determine the cause is the best way to provide a solution.

You might also need to turn on a branch circuit breaker switch if the breaker trips, but if the breaker immediately trips again, then it's a good idea to hire an electrician to investigate and ...