What to do when a Circuit Breaker Trips

What to Do When a Circuit Breaker Trips

When a circuit breaker trips, it can range from something simple like a single appliance shutting off, to a whole section of your house losing power and lighting. Knowing how to reset a tripped breaker can help you quickly get back on track without needing to call an electrician.

Here are a few essential steps to follow when your circuit breaker trips:

1. Keep an Emergency Torch (And Know Where It Is)

If the breaker trips at night, you'll be in the dark, literally. While you can use your phone's flashlight to navigate, it’s a good idea to have a reliable torch on hand. Having matches and a candle nearby can also help if you don't want to rely on your phone’s battery. Even if you’re confident you can find your switchboard in the dark, it's best not to risk fumbling around inside electrical panels without proper lighting.

2. Steps to Take When a Circuit Breaker or RCD Trips

Step 1: Turn Off Appliances

Always start by turning off all appliances connected to the affected circuit. A tripped breaker is often a sign of an overloaded or faulty circuit. If too many appliances are running at once, it can trip the breaker. Be sure to switch off and unplug everything that’s connected to the tripped circuit to prevent it from tripping again once power is restored.

Step 2: Check Your RCD Safety Switch

Make sure you have an RCD safety switch installed and regularly tested. RCDs are essential for preventing electric shocks and protecting your home from fire hazards. If an appliance has caused the trip (such as a malfunctioning blender or mixer), unplug all devices from the circuit, and test them in another room. If an appliance doesn’t work at all, it’s likely the cause of the trip, and it should not be plugged back in until repaired or replaced.

Step 3: Reset the Breaker

Once the appliances are off and you’ve checked for any faulty devices, go ahead and reset the breaker. Turn the main switch back on. You might expect a dramatic powering-up sound, but unfortunately, there's no such fanfare! Once you’ve reset the breaker, you can go back and switch your appliances back on. If the breaker trips again, it is likely to be an issue with the wiring and you will need to call an electrician.

3. What Causes Breakers to Trip?

There are three main reasons why circuit breakers trip:

1. RCD (Safety Switch) Activation

If your RCD trips, it’s usually due to a fault in an appliance or moisture affecting a light or socket (common with dishwashers or kitchen appliances). Isolate the circuit to identify the culprit, unplug any devices, and check for signs of moisture or damage.

2. Overloading the Circuit

Circuit overloads are another common cause. Each circuit has a limit to how much electricity it can safely carry. Overloading it with too many devices, like during the holidays with Christmas lights, or running multiple high-power appliances like air conditioners, can cause the breaker to trip.

While a tripped breaker may seem inconvenient, it’s actually a safety feature designed to prevent bigger issues, like overheating or fire. The breaker is doing its job by cutting off power before things can escalate.

Warning Signs of an Overloaded Circuit:

• Dimming or flickering lights

• Buzzing from outlets

• Warm or hot outlets

• Appliances losing power

  
  

  3. Short Circuit

  Faulty and damaged wiring can cause the electrical current to flow through an unintended path, for example if the coating on the wires are damaged and they touch each other, this causes a sudden surge of electricity. The RCD detects this imbalance and trips to prevent damage or danger.

  
  

4. Preventing Circuit Overloads

To avoid frequent tripping, here are some tips:

• Rewire Old Circuits: Have an electrician upgrade old circuits to ones that can handle higher electrical demands.

• Distribute the Load: Don’t overload one circuit with too many devices. Spread appliances across multiple circuits if possible.

  
  

5. Back to Normal

Once you’ve reset the breaker, you can get back to what you were doing before the interruption. Resetting a circuit breaker is simple and doesn't require professional help unless you’re dealing with an ongoing issue. If the problem persists or you’re unsure about what’s causing it, don’t hesitate to call a registered electrician. You can reach us at 021 022 38853 or email benji@capitaelectrical.co.nz. We’re here to help!