Causes of Tripped Fuse Box
You may find that the circuit breaker – although annoying to constantly set off and on again – means your surge protection system is working, protecting you from a possible fault. It may be due to something as simple as an overloaded electrical circuit, or it might require a professional electrician for further investigation.
Here are reasons why, with advice on how you can take action safely.
Kettles, heaters, tumble dryers and air fryers cannot be used together, or else it will overload the circuit. If it does go off when you turn something on, a likely cause is overload.
- A faulty appliance
It’s a bit of a bummer if you realise afterwards there is nothing wrong with the house, but your toaster or kettle, washing machine, and charger are each causing trips on their own! Unplug the appliances and put one back in at a time to see which appliance it is.
- A short circuit
In the short circuit type, damage to wiring or a crushed cable can produce immediate overcurrent that results in an instantaneous trip. It often seems to happen all at once.
- Earth fault
It happens when current flows to earth due to moisture or insulation falling, leading to a path inside any mechanical appliance. Sometimes it will trip the RCD/RCBO. For an Electrician Cheltenham, visit www.blu-fish.co.uk/electrical-services-cheltenham
- Water ingress
Water is also a good conductor, so, as pool builders well know (and outdoor sockets and garden lighting companies no doubt swear), extractor fans don’t like it any more than bathroom fittings. Check for water ingress if trips occur after rainy weather or with wet outdoor electrics.
- Loose connections
A poor connection in sockets, switches or the consumer unit may cause arcing, which can lead to erratic tripping. It will make a crackling sound, get warm, or you might smell a whiff of burning.
- An RCD that trips at the slightest provocation
Experience has also shown that RCDs can be too sensitive and will trip out with many small leakages (e.g., from multiple appliances being used at the same time) or in older units. An electrician can test and tell you if an upgrade is in order.
- Old house wire issues
Loose and old cables, DIY modifications, or failing insulation can cause these repeated trips. A residential electrician can inspect your house if no inspection has been done in a number of years.
If it is not safe, you will then need to unplug everything and reset the breaker once, only try one thing at a time though. Chronic tripping is an indicator of other electrical problems that can lead to more damage or a fire.
