Why Circuit Breakers Trip During Thunderstorms and What You Can Do About It

 A storm arrives: thunder, lightning, and then, suddenly, the power goes out in part of your house. You check the electrical panel and, sure enough, one of the breakers has tripped again. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. Many homeowners deal with tripped breakers during storms, and while it may seem like a simple annoyance, it can be a sign of something much more serious.

Let's explore why this happens, what it means, and how you can protect your home from storm-related electrical problems.

What causes breakers to trip during a storm?

Circuit breakers are safety devices designed to interrupt the flow of electricity when a problem occurs, such as a short circuit, overload, or ground fault. During thunderstorms, several factors can trip a circuit breaker:

Lightning surges

A lightning strike, even if it doesn't directly hit your home, can send a massive surge of electricity through power lines and into your home. Circuit breakers may trip to prevent appliances and wiring from being damaged by the surge.

Moisture infiltration

Water can infiltrate outdoor outlets, crawl spaces, or junction boxes, especially in older homes. When moisture comes into contact with electrical components, it creates ground faults or short circuits, both of which can instantly trip circuit breakers.

Power grid fluctuations

Thunderstorms can also affect the power grid itself. If there's a temporary outage or fluctuation in your area, your home's electrical system may react by tripping breakers to protect circuits from unstable currents.

What to Do to Prevent Circuit Breakers from Tripping During a Storm

You don't need to leave your electrical system vulnerable to every storm. Here are some ways to reduce the risk:

Install a Whole-Home Surge Protector

These devices are installed in the main electrical panel and help absorb and block surges before they reach your circuits and appliances.

Check for Outdoor Exposure

Have an electrician inspect any outlets, appliances, or outdoor wiring that may be exposed to moisture. Make sure everything is adequately protected from the elements.

Replace Old Breakers

If your home still has an outdated fuse box or electrical panel, it may not be able to handle sensitive electronics and modern switch technology.

Unplug Devices During a Storm

For added protection, unplug valuable electronics such as computers, TVs, and game consoles before a storm arrives.

Schedule a professional inspection

If your circuit breakers trip frequently during storms, a qualified electrician can check for wiring faults, moisture exposure, or improperly grounded circuits.

Call Emergency Electrician in Portsmouth. We are your right contact partner.