Where to start
- Identify exactly which breaker trips and under what load combination.
- Separate shore power trips from onboard distribution trips.
- Do not treat repeated resets as a fix.
First checks to run
- Inspect the panel and breaker body for warmth after normal operation.
- Tighten and inspect only with power safely isolated.
- Look for hidden simultaneous loads that add up at the wrong moment.
Common culprits
- Loose lugs and heat at terminations.
- Moisture intrusion or salt contamination.
- Startup surge from motors, compressors, and inverters.
When it is urgent
- Visible heat damage or discoloration.
- Arcing smell or buzzing.
- A breaker that trips with very light load or immediately on reset.
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