When Not to Call an Electrician (And What You Can Fix Yourself)
If your home was built after February 2008 and your vacuum keeps tripping the breaker, there’s a good chance it’s due to an arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) breaker.
These are safety devices that shut off power when they detect what they think is an arc (a spark in the wiring). But many older vacuums — or even newer ones with strong motors — can mimic an arc when they start up, causing the breaker to trip.
Try this first:
- Check if the tripped breaker has a “test” or “reset” button (a sign it’s an AFCI).
-
Plug the vacuum into a non-AFCI protected outlet (like one not labeled or without a test button).
-
If the vacuum still trips a regular breaker, it may be time for a new vacuum — or a call to us.
2. ⚡ Some Outlets Aren’t Working — Especially Outside, In Bathrooms, or the Garage
-
Bathrooms
-
Kitchens
-
Garages
-
Outdoor spaces
-
Docks or porches
GFCIs are designed to trip if there’s a moisture risk or an electrical imbalance — even from something as small as a power surge during a storm.
- Look for outlets with a reset/test button (the GFCIs).
-
Check your electrical panel — some breakers are also GFCI-protected.
-
Hit the reset button if it’s tripped. That often solves the issue.
3. ️ Labeling Your Breaker Panel
- Plug in a loud radio to the outlet you’re trying to find the matching breaker for.
-
Turn off breakers one by one and note which room or outlet shuts off.
-
Use pre-printed or blank panel labels (available on Amazon) to mark everything clearly.
-
For large appliances (dryer, oven, AC), turn them on and test breakers the same way.
Pro tip: Labeling can get tricky in older homes or when circuits are split — but getting a basic layout is better than nothing!
- Extending wiring
-
Opening up your panel
-
Working on outlets, switches, or anything that requires opening a cover plate, etc.
-
If it takes more than flipping a switch, pressing a button, or changing a bulb!
If you’re unsure — always err on the side of safety and give a licensed electrician a call.
