Why Does My Circuit Breaker Keep Tripping?
Quick Answer
A circuit breaker trips to protect the wiring on that circuit from overheating due to too much current. Repeated tripping usually means the circuit is overloaded with too many appliances, a specific appliance has a fault, or there's a wiring issue on that circuit. Unlike an RCD, which protects against shock, a breaker protects against overload and short circuits. If it trips consistently or won't reset, it needs an electrician's attention rather than repeated resetting.
What Could Be Causing the Problem?
- Too many appliances or high-draw devices running on the same circuit at once
- A faulty appliance drawing excessive current or short-circuiting
- A short circuit somewhere in the wiring on that circuit
- An undersized circuit for the load it's now carrying (common after adding appliances over time)
- A worn or faulty breaker itself
What Can I Safely Check?
- Unplug appliances on that circuit and try resetting the breaker, then reintroduce appliances one at a time
- Note which appliances were running when it tripped
- Check if the trip happens consistently with one specific appliance or device
- Avoid overloading power boards and double-adaptors on a single circuit
When Should I Call an Electrician?
- The breaker won't reset, or trips again immediately after resetting
- It trips repeatedly without an obvious overloaded circuit
- You notice a burning smell, scorch marks, or warmth at the switchboard
- The circuit serves essential equipment (like a fridge or freezer) and keeps cutting out
- You're not confident identifying which appliance is causing it
What Will an Electrician Check?
- Test the circuit for overload, short circuits and wiring faults
- Inspect the breaker itself for wear or damage
- Assess whether the circuit needs to be split or upgraded to handle current demand
- Check connected appliances and wiring for faults contributing to the trips
- Recommend switchboard upgrades if the board is undersized for the property's needs
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a circuit breaker and an RCD?
A circuit breaker protects wiring from overload and short circuits, while an RCD (safety switch) protects people from electric shock by detecting current leakage — most switchboards have both.
Is it safe to keep resetting a breaker that keeps tripping?
Resetting it once or twice to identify the cause is generally fine, but if it keeps tripping, repeatedly resetting it without addressing the underlying cause isn't recommended.
Can a breaker just wear out over time?
Yes, breakers can become less reliable with age and may need replacing even without an external fault causing the trips.
Why does my breaker only trip when I use the microwave and kettle together?
This is a classic sign of an overloaded circuit — both appliances draw significant current, and running them simultaneously can exceed the circuit's capacity.
Should every circuit have its own breaker?
Yes, and modern switchboards are designed this way — if your home has circuits sharing a single breaker, this may be worth reviewing with an electrician.
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