Why Does My Safety Switch Keep Tripping?
A safety switch that keeps tripping is annoying, but it's usually doing exactly its job. It has detected electricity leaking somewhere it shouldn't, and it's cut the power in a fraction of a second to protect you.
The trick is finding where the leak is. Here are the most common causes, a safe check you can do yourself, and when it's time to call an electrician.
Safety switch or circuit breaker?
First, check which device tripped. A safety switch (RCD) usually has a "T" or "Test" button on it. A circuit breaker doesn't.
A circuit breaker trips when a circuit is overloaded or short-circuited – for example, too many heaters on one circuit.
A safety switch trips when current leaks to earth – through a faulty appliance, damp wiring, or in the worst case, a person.
Many newer Gold Coast switchboards use combined devices (RCBOs) that do both jobs, one per circuit.
The most common causes
A faulty appliance. This is the cause in most homes. Kettles, toasters, washing machines, fridges, pool pumps and old power tools are common culprits.
Moisture. Outdoor power points, garden lights and pool equipment let in water, especially after Gold Coast storms and humid weeks.
Damaged wiring. Rodents in the roof, a nail or screw through a cable, or a damaged underground cable to a shed.
Old wiring. Insulation breaks down with age and heat, especially in roof spaces.
Too many appliances on one safety switch. Every appliance leaks a tiny amount. Many together on one older safety switch can add up to a trip.
A failing safety switch. Less common, but they do wear out.
A safe check you can do yourself
If the safety switch trips and won't stay on:
Unplug everything on the affected circuits. Don't just switch off at the wall – pull the plugs out.
Reset the safety switch.
If it stays on, plug appliances back in one at a time, waiting a minute between each.
When it trips again, the last appliance you plugged in is the likely culprit. Stop using it and get it checked or replaced.
If the safety switch trips with everything unplugged, or trips when it rains, the fault is most likely in the fixed wiring, lights or outdoor fittings. That needs a licensed electrician.
What never to do
Never bypass or remove a safety switch. It's there to stop a fatal electric shock.
Never keep resetting it while something is smoking, hot or smells like burning. Leave it off and call an electrician.
Don't open the switchboard or pull apart wiring yourself. In Queensland, electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician.
Test your safety switches regularly
Queensland's Electrical Safety Office recommends pressing the test button on each safety switch every three months. If it doesn't trip when tested, it needs replacing.
If your home only has one safety switch, or none on the lighting circuits, it's worth upgrading. Newer homes have safety switch protection on every circuit, so one fault doesn't black out the whole house.
Selling, buying or renting?
Queensland homes being sold or rented must have safety switches on power point circuits. Buyers who take over a home without one must have it installed shortly after possession, and rental properties must have them before the tenancy.
Need it fixed now?
Bonus Electrical offers 24/7 emergency callouts across the Gold Coast, Logan and Scenic Rim. We'll find the fault properly, not just reset the switch and leave.
Call Lewis on 0411 292 602. Read more about our safety switch installation and emergency electrician services.
