Why does my electricity keep tripping?Wirrelec advice / NAPIT registered electricians
A trip switch is doing its job: cutting the power because it has detected a problem. The skill is working out which problem, and that is usually possible in a few minutes.
First, which switch has tripped?
Open the fuse board (consumer unit) and look for the switch that is down. There are two main kinds, and they trip for different reasons.
| Switch | What it is telling you |
|---|---|
| RCD (often wider, with a test button) | Current is leaking to earth somewhere - typically a faulty appliance, water getting in, or damaged cable. It protects people from electric shock. |
| Circuit breaker (MCB) | That one circuit drew more current than it should - too many appliances at once, or a short circuit in a fitting or cable. |
| Main switch | Usually only switched off by hand. If it will not stay on, call an electrician. |
How to find the cause
- Unplug everything on the circuit that tripped, and switch off fixed appliances such as the oven or immersion heater
- Reset the switch
- If it stays on, plug things back in one at a time, waiting a minute between each
- When it trips again, the last item you plugged in is the likely culprit - leave it unplugged and have it checked or replaced
- If it trips with nothing plugged in, or will not reset at all, the fault is in the wiring or a fitting and needs an electrician
The usual suspects
- Kettles, washing machines, dishwashers and tumble dryers - appliances that heat water are the most common cause
- Outside lights and sockets, especially after rain
- Water reaching fittings from a leak, or condensation in bathrooms and lofts
- A cable damaged by a screw, nail or drill
- An old or failing fuse board, where breakers and RCDs wear out
When to stop and call
Do not keep resetting a switch that trips straight away, and never tape or hold a switch in the on position. If there is any burning smell, scorch marking, buzzing or heat at the fuse board, switch off at the main switch if it is safe to, and call. Wirrelec runs 24/7 emergency call outs with no call out charge.