What causes a circuit breaker to keep tripping repeatedly?

A circuit breaker trips repeatedly when the circuit is drawing more current than it's rated to handle. The most common cause is simply too many devices plugged into the same circuit, exceeding its amperage limit. This is called an overload. Other causes include a short circuit, where a hot wire touches a neutral or ground wire due to damaged insulation, loose connections, or a faulty appliance. A ground fault, where current leaks to a grounded surface, can also trigger repeated tripping. Sometimes the breaker itself is worn out and trips too easily. To fix the problem, unplug devices to reduce the load, inspect cords and outlets for damage, and if the issue persists, have a licensed electrician inspect the wiring.