Why Your Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping (And What to Do About It)
Power Out Again? Let’s Talk About Circuit Breakers
We’ve all experienced it — the lights go out, appliances shut down, and after a moment of confusion, you realise your circuit breaker has tripped. But why does it happen? And what should you do about it?
If your circuit breaker keeps tripping repeatedly, it's not just annoying — it's a sign of an underlying electrical issue that could pose a serious safety risk. In this blog, we’ll explain how circuit breakers work, the common causes of tripping, how to troubleshoot the problem, and when to call a qualified Perth electrician.
What Is a Circuit Breaker and Why Does It Trip?
A circuit breaker is a protective switch designed to cut the power supply if it detects:
Overload: When too many devices draw power on the same circuit.
Short circuit: When a live wire touches a neutral wire.
Ground fault: When electricity escapes the circuit and travels to the ground (often via a person or appliance casing).
Tripping helps prevent:
Electrical fires
Electrocution
Damage to wiring and appliances
If your circuit breaker is tripping regularly, it’s doing its job — but something in your system isn’t.
The 6 Most Common Reasons Circuit Breakers Trip
1. Circuit Overload
The most common cause of breaker tripping is overload. This happens when too many devices run on one circuit, drawing more current than it’s rated to handle.
Example: Running a toaster, microwave, and kettle on the same kitchen circuit.
Solution:
Unplug devices and distribute load to different outlets
Consider installing a dedicated circuit for high-use areas
2. Short Circuit
Short circuits are more dangerous and typically more abrupt. A sudden, high current flow occurs when wires touch inappropriately.
Signs of a short circuit:
Loud pop when the breaker trips
Burnt smell near the outlet
Scorch marks or melted plugs
Solution: Call a licensed electrician in Perth immediately. Short circuits need professional investigation and repair.
3. Ground Fault
A ground fault happens when electricity strays from its intended path, often due to water ingress or poor insulation.
Common areas:
Kitchens
Bathrooms
Outdoor outlets
Solution: If you suspect a ground fault, avoid touching the outlet and switch off power at the board. A Perth electrician can locate and isolate the fault.
4. Appliance Faults
Sometimes it’s not the wiring — it’s the appliance. Faulty fridges, dishwashers, or heaters can trip breakers when their internal components short out or overheat.
To test:
Unplug all appliances
Reset the breaker
Plug in each item one at a time
If the breaker trips after plugging in a specific appliance, you’ve found the culprit.
5. Worn-Out Circuit Breaker
Breakers can degrade over time, becoming overly sensitive or failing to reset.
Signs include:
Breaker won’t stay in the ON position
Trips without any load on the circuit
Solution: A qualified electrician can test the breaker and replace it if needed.
6. Moisture or Water Leaks
Perth homes near the coast or with older roofs may have water ingress issues. Moisture in power points or switchboards can lead to dangerous arcing and frequent tripping.
Solution: Inspect nearby areas for leaks. An electrician can perform insulation resistance testing and replace compromised fittings.
Troubleshooting: What You Can Safely Check Yourself
Before calling a pro, here are a few things you can check:
Unplug everything on the affected circuit.
Reset the breaker by turning it fully OFF, then back ON.
Test each outlet one at a time with a small appliance (like a lamp).
If it stays on, you likely had an overload. If it trips again quickly with nothing plugged in, there’s a deeper issue that needs professional help.
Why It’s Dangerous to Ignore Repeated Tripping
A circuit breaker is a safety mechanism. Ignoring it is like taping over your smoke alarm.
Risks include:
Electrical fires from overheated wiring
Electrocution from exposed live parts
Damage to your switchboard, wiring, and appliances
Voided insurance claims
Don’t keep resetting a breaker that keeps tripping. You need to identify and fix the cause.
When to Call a Perth Electrician
You should contact a licensed electrician in Perth if:
Your breaker trips more than once a week
You’ve unplugged everything but it still trips
There’s visible damage or burnt smells
You need a new circuit or switchboard upgrade
Jarrah Group electricians provide:
Fault finding and diagnostics
Circuit rewiring
Appliance testing
Switchboard upgrades and RCD installation
We’ll find the root cause and provide a lasting solution — not just a reset.
Preventing Future Breaker Trips
Some long-term solutions to reduce circuit overload and faults include:
Install additional circuits in high-demand areas
Upgrade your switchboard with RCDs and modern circuit breakers
Have old wiring inspected every 5–10 years
Avoid daisy-chaining power boards or using poor-quality appliances
Regular maintenance and load management can greatly improve safety and reliability.
Final Thoughts: Trust the Tripping — Then Fix It Right
Your circuit breaker is doing exactly what it was designed to do — protect you. If it trips, it’s a sign of something that needs attention.
Jarrah Group — Safety-First Electrical Solutions in Perth.
