The answer to 'why is my smoke detector tripping breaker' is that a faulty or overloaded smoke detector can cause the circuit breaker to trip. This is a common issue that can happen when the smoke detector is drawing too much power or has an electrical short. Symptoms include the circuit breaker repeatedly tripping and the smoke detector not working properly.
To troubleshoot, first check the smoke detector itself for any visible damage or signs of overheating. If the detector seems fine, the issue may be with the electrical wiring or the circuit breaker. You can try resetting the breaker, but if it keeps tripping, it's best to call a licensed electrician to diagnose and repair the problem. They can inspect the wiring, test the smoke detector, and replace any faulty components to restore proper function.