Why Does My Power Keep Tripping? Causes and When to Call an Electrician
A safety switch that keeps tripping is doing its job. Find out what it is protecting you from.
Quick answer: power usually keeps tripping because a safety switch (RCD) has detected current leaking to earth, often from a faulty appliance or moisture, or because a circuit breaker is overloaded or detecting a short circuit. A safe first check is to unplug everything on the affected circuit and reset. If it still trips, or trips again without an obvious cause, call a licensed electrician. Never hold a switch on or bypass it.
Safety switch or circuit breaker?
- Safety switch (RCD): usually has a test button. It trips when it detects leakage to earth, which can mean a risk of electric shock.
- Circuit breaker: trips when too much current flows (overload) or there is a short circuit.
Knowing which one tripped helps the electrician find the cause faster.
Common causes
- Faulty appliance: kettles, heaters, washing machines and old power boards are frequent culprits.
- Moisture: rain getting into outdoor power points, lights or a damaged cable.
- Overloaded circuit: several high draw appliances running at once on one circuit.
- Damaged wiring: rodents, renovation nails or aged insulation.
- Faulty safety switch: less common, but they can fail.
Safe checks you can do
- Switch off and unplug every appliance on the affected circuit.
- Reset the switch.
- Plug appliances back in one at a time. If it trips when one is connected, stop using that appliance.
- Note when it happens: after rain, at night, when a particular appliance runs.
Do not open the switchboard, remove covers or touch wiring.
When to call an electrician
- It trips with everything unplugged.
- It will not reset.
- You smell burning, see scorching or hear buzzing.
- It happens after rain or near water.
- It keeps happening and you cannot find a cause.
Fault-finding is often quoted as an attendance and diagnosis first, then the repair, because the cause is unknown until tested.
For electricians: quoting fault-finding
Clients want to know the cost before you arrive. JSI lets you quote the attendance clearly, including after-hours or emergency timing and a separate call-out fee, so the client agrees to the terms before you roll out at night.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my safety switch keep tripping?
Usually because it has detected current leaking to earth, often from a faulty appliance, moisture or damaged wiring. Unplug appliances and reset. If it continues, call an electrician.
Is it dangerous if my power keeps tripping?
It means a protective device is reacting to a fault. Do not bypass it. Repeated tripping should be investigated by a licensed electrician.
Can rain make my safety switch trip?
Yes. Water entering outdoor fittings or damaged cabling is a common cause of tripping after rain.
How much does it cost to find an electrical fault?
It depends on the cause and time taken. Many electricians quote attendance and diagnosis first, then provide a price for the repair once the fault is found.