Why does my breaker keep tripping?

Usually an overloaded circuit, or a fault such as a short. Unplug everything on the circuit and reset it once. If it trips again, stop resetting it and call an electrician, because a repeat trip means something on the circuit needs to be found and fixed.

Why are my lights flickering?

A loose bulb or a failing bulb is the first thing to check. If the flicker continues or shows up in several rooms, it can point to a loose connection, a wiring problem or a panel issue, and an electrician should look at it.

What should I do if an outlet is warm or not working?

Stop using it. A warm or dead outlet can mean a failed device or a loose connection, and heat is a safety risk. CPB Electric repairs and replaces outlets and switches, and checks the circuit behind them.

Can CPB Electric do maintenance for a business?

Yes. For commercial properties CPB Electric offers electrical system diagnostics, routine maintenance programs and repair of outlets, circuits, breakers and lighting, so small problems are fixed before they stop operations.

Electrical service

Electrical repairs and troubleshooting in DuPage, Kane, Cook and Will Counties

Electrical repair starts with finding the cause, not just resetting the symptom. CPB Electric diagnoses and repairs outlets, switches, breakers, circuits and panels for homes and businesses in DuPage, Kane, Cook and Will Counties. If you smell burning or hear buzzing from the panel, turn off the main breaker and call right away.

Call (630) 414-6550 Get in Touch

What repairs does CPB Electric handle?

Outlet and switch repairs and replacements
Breaker and fuse issues
Circuit diagnostics
Panel repairs
Repair of lighting
Electrical system diagnostics and routine maintenance for commercial properties

What are the warning signs of an electrical problem?

Sign	What it can mean	What to do
A breaker trips again and again	An overloaded circuit, or a fault such as a short	Unplug everything on the circuit and reset once. If it trips again, call an electrician
Lights flicker in more than one room	A loose connection or a wiring or panel problem	Replace the bulb first. If the flicker continues or spreads, call an electrician
An outlet is dead or warm	A failed device or a loose connection	Stop using it and have it checked
A GFCI outlet will not reset	A fault on the circuit, or a failed GFCI	Have an electrician check it
Burning smell, buzzing or a hot breaker	A serious fault or overheating	Turn off the main breaker and call right away

What can I check before calling?

A few quick checks can save a trip, and they are safe to do:

Unplug everything on the affected circuit, then reset the breaker once. Do not keep resetting a breaker that trips again.
Move the appliance to a different circuit to see whether the original circuit was overloaded.
Replace a flickering bulb before assuming the wiring is the problem.
Press the reset button on any GFCI outlet nearby. Bathrooms, garages and kitchens often share one.

Repair, or time for an upgrade?

Most problems are repairs: a worn switch, a loose connection or a failed device. Repeated tripping across several circuits, a full panel or an old panel brand can point to a bigger issue. In that case see our page on panel upgrades.

How does troubleshooting work?

Describe what is happening
Tell CPB Electric what you see: which breaker, which room, when it happens and what is plugged in.
Diagnose the circuit
The circuit is tested to find the cause, whether that is a device, a connection or an overloaded line.
Repair it
The failed outlet, switch, breaker or connection is repaired or replaced.
Test and explain
The circuit is tested, and you get a plain explanation of what failed and whether anything else needs attention.

What affects the cost of an electrical repair?

Repair costs depend on how hard the problem is to find and fix:

How long it takes to find the cause
The parts needed, such as a device, a breaker or a length of wire
How hard the wiring is to reach
Whether the repair uncovers older wiring that needs updating
Whether a permit or inspection is required for the repair

CPB Electric explains what drives the price on your job. Call (630) 414-6550 to talk it through.

Older homes and local code

Census-based figures put the median year built for housing in DuPage County around 1978, so many homes have original devices, older breakers and circuit layouts that were designed for fewer electronics. Repairs are a good time to add GFCI or AFCI protection where it is missing.

In the unincorporated areas of DuPage County the 2020 National Electrical Code applies. Cities and villages adopt their own codes.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

Why does my breaker keep tripping?: Usually an overloaded circuit, or a fault such as a short. Unplug everything on the circuit and reset it once. If it trips again, stop resetting it and call an electrician, because a repeat trip means something on the circuit needs to be found and fixed.
Why are my lights flickering?: A loose bulb or a failing bulb is the first thing to check. If the flicker continues or shows up in several rooms, it can point to a loose connection, a wiring problem or a panel issue, and an electrician should look at it.
What should I do if an outlet is warm or not working?: Stop using it. A warm or dead outlet can mean a failed device or a loose connection, and heat is a safety risk. CPB Electric repairs and replaces outlets and switches, and checks the circuit behind them.
Can CPB Electric do maintenance for a business?: Yes. For commercial properties CPB Electric offers electrical system diagnostics, routine maintenance programs and repair of outlets, circuits, breakers and lighting, so small problems are fixed before they stop operations.