Why Does My Breaker Trip When Vacuuming?

Like many appliances, a vacuum cleaner uses a lot of electricity compared to a simple light bulb. For this reason you may notice a breaker trip when vacuuming. In this article we will cover a few of the common causes. In some cases you should consider hiring an electrician to come help with your electrical system, however there are some instances where it could be the vacuum cleaner causing the issue and not your wiring. We will go over common signs that there may be an issue with your vacuum and when to get it repaired vs when to get it replaced. For vacuum repair services in Plymouth, come visit Vacuum City! 

Signs That There is Something Wrong With Your Electrical System

If your breaker trips after you start vacuuming, the first and most obvious thing to do is reset it. If it keeps happening there are a few places you should investigate. First you should consider checking the specific circuit that is getting tripped. If your home or office has multiple circuits (most modern properties do), you should pay attention to which circuit is causing the problem. One common issue is vacuuming in a room that already has many appliances running. For instance vacuuming in the kitchen while an A/C is also on can create a large electrical load on that specific circuit. 

 

Additionally, you can inspect the electrical outlet. You may notice issues arise when using a specific outlet as opposed to others. A loose connection with a wall outlet can lead to a breaker tipping. If you are able to effectively use the vacuum cleaner on a different outlet or on a different circuit you at least now know that the issue is with your home’s electrical system and not necessarily your vacuum. In this instance you should consider having an electrician perform and inspection of your outlets, circuits, and circuit breaker to identify what is causing the consistent tripping. 

Signs That Your Vacuum Is Causing The Electrical Problem

As mentioned above, vacuums do require a lot of electricity. If your vacuum causes a circuit breaker to trip you should investigate the vacuum for signs of damage or issues. Pay attention to both the cord and plug. You should look for any frayed wires or issues with the insulation around the cord. If you ever notice any arcing when vacuuming, immediately turn it off and unplug it. You should either replace it or have it fixed at a repair shop. Additionally if you see sparks or smell any burning smells when using your vacuum, you should have it repaired immediately as this is a sign that there is something wrong with your vacuum. 

How Do I Fix An Overheating Vacuum

If you notice issues with your vacuum cleaner or believe that your vacuum cleaner is leading to outages at your home, bring it to our team in Plymouth. We would be happy to take a look and help you get the repairs you need. Aside from repairs, we provide new vacuums as well as parts and attachments. Contact us today for more information!