Circuit breakers trip mainly due to circuit overload, short circuits, or ground fault surges. Overloading occurs when too many appliances are running on the same circuit simultaneously, exceeding its capacity. Short circuits, a more serious issue, happen when a hot wire touches a neutral wire. Ground fault surges occur when a hot wire comes into contact with a ground wire or a metal outlet box. Professional diagnosis is essential to address the underlying cause safely.

Non-functioning outlets can result from several issues, such as tripped circuit breakers, faulty wiring, or a bad outlet. First, check your circuit breaker or fuse box to see if a switch has flipped or a fuse has blown. If resetting the breaker or replacing the fuse doesn’t solve the problem, or if there’s no apparent issue there, the problem may be with the outlet itself or the wiring. It’s safest to have a professional electrician diagnose and repair the problem to avoid electrical hazards.

While some minor tasks, like replacing a light switch or outlet, can be done by individuals with a good understanding of electrical safety and the proper tools, most electrical work should be performed by a professional electrician. This ensures the work is done safely and complies with local electrical codes and standards. Electrical work can be dangerous and improperly done work can lead to fire hazards, so when in doubt, it’s best to call a professional.