It’s 110 degrees in the middle of a Phoenix summer. Your A/C is running full blast—then suddenly, the power cuts out. You head to the panel and find a tripped breaker. You reset it, only for it to happen again a few hours later.

Sound familiar?

At The Wire Guy Electric, we get dozens of calls every summer from frustrated homeowners dealing with this exact issue. Here’s what’s really going on—and how to stop it from happening.

What Causes a Breaker to Trip in Hot Weather?

1. Overloaded Circuits

Your air conditioner, fridge, and other large appliances are all pulling power at once—especially during peak afternoon hours. If your panel or circuits weren’t designed to handle this load, your breaker will trip to prevent overheating.

2. Old or Undersized Panels

Many older Arizona homes still run on 100-amp service or outdated panels that weren’t built for modern power demands. If your home was built before the 1990s and hasn’t had a panel upgrade, this could be the root cause.

3. Loose or Corroded Connections

Extreme heat causes metal to expand and contract. Over time, this can loosen connections in your panel or outlets, leading to dangerous arcing and—yep—tripped breakers.

4. Failing A/C Units

Sometimes the problem isn’t electrical—it’s mechanical. A failing compressor or motor in your HVAC system can draw too much current on startup, causing your breaker to trip repeatedly.

What You Can Do About It

✅ Unplug Unused Appliances

Reduce strain on the system by running fewer devices during peak hours.

✅ Have Your A/C Checked

Rule out mechanical failure before assuming it’s an electrical issue.

✅ Schedule an Electrical Inspection

If tripping is frequent, it’s time to have a licensed electrician check your panel, circuits, and wiring.

When It’s Time for an Upgrade

If your home has any of the following, you’re a strong candidate for an electrical panel upgrade:

• Breakers trip more than once a month
• You’ve installed a new A/C, EV charger, or hot tub
• Your panel is 25+ years old
• You’re still using a fuse box or Federal Pacific/Zinsco panel

Stay Cool and Safe This Summer

Don’t let electrical issues leave you sweating it out. Our team at The Wire Guy Electric specializes in troubleshooting, panel upgrades, and A/C circuit repairs throughout Phoenix and the surrounding areas.

Call today for fast, reliable service—and a home that keeps its cool when it counts.