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Breaker keeps tripping: five causes and when to call an electrician

· reading time 5 min

Technician with a tool belt and cables in a kitchen

A bigger breaker doesn’t solve the problem, it hides it. Here is what is really going on.

Overload

Too many powerful appliances share one circuit: kettle, microwave and coffee machine at once. The fix is a new separate circuit, not a bigger breaker.

Short circuit

A damaged cable or appliance causes a short. The breaker trips right after switching on. Unplug appliances one by one to find the culprit.

Moisture

An RCD reacts to leakage current. Moisture in an outdoor socket, a bathroom light or a junction box is often the cause.

Ageing breaker

Breakers wear out too. If it trips under a normal load, it may need replacing.

When to call

A burning smell, sparks, a warm socket or tripping with no visible cause means call an electrician. These are danger signs.

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