Safety switches and circuit breakers trip to protect your electrical system from faults and hazards. If your power keeps cutting out, there may be an underlying issue that needs attention. This guide outlines common causes of tripping and steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem.
If you're unsure or uncomfortable with any step, contact a licensed electrician to ensure safety and compliance.
- Locate your switchboard: It is usually found in a utility area, basement, garage, or near the main electrical meter.
- Open the switchboard panel: Use caution and ensure your hands are dry. Remove the cover of the switchboard panel by unscrewing or flipping open any latches.
- Inspect the switches or breakers: Look for any switches or breakers that are in the "off" or middle position. These are typically safety switches or circuit breakers.
- Reset the switches or breakers: If you find any switches or breakers in the "off" or middle position, flip them to the "on" position. This resets the tripped switch or breaker.
- Test the power: After resetting the switches or breakers, check if power has been restored to the affected areas. If not, there may be another underlying issue that requires professional attention.
- Reduce the load: Check if you have multiple high-power appliances running simultaneously and try unplugging some to reduce the electrical load.
- Inspect for faulty appliances: Disconnect any recently added appliances one at a time to identify if a specific device is causing the trips. You should disconnect each device/appliance and then test turning on the switch to identify which device is causing the issue. If you disconnect and unplug all devices on a circuit and the switchboard stays in the on position, one of the disconnected appliances is most likely causing the issue.
- Inspect the area: If a certain area is tripping, check any appliances or devices in this area of your home. Make sure that there are no exposed wires or damaged switches which could be causing an electrical issue. If you discover any issues, do not attempt to repair them yourself.
Common Causes of Trips
There are several potential reasons why your switchboard circuit breakers may be tripping repeatedly. By identifying the underlying cause, you can take appropriate action to rectify the issue. Here are some common culprits:
Plugging in too many electrical devices or appliances on a single circuit can overload it, causing the circuit breaker to trip. This typically occurs when the combined electrical load exceeds the circuit's amperage rating.