What would cause repeated cycling of a circuit breaker?

Repeated cycling of a circuit breaker can occur due to a short circuit to ground. When a short circuit happens, it creates an extremely low resistance path, causing a sudden surge in current flow that exceeds the circuit breaker's rated capacity. This surge triggers the breaker to trip, interrupting the electrical flow to protect the system. However, once the fault condition is cleared or if it's an intermittent issue, the breaker may reset itself, leading to another surge and repeated tripping.

This cycle can happen multiple times until the fault is permanently identified and addressed. Understanding this behavior helps technicians diagnose electrical issues in the system, as a short circuit is a serious condition that requires immediate attention to prevent damage to wiring and components.