Why Does My Power Keep Tripping?
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Power usually trips because something is wrong: a faulty appliance, moisture getting into a circuit, damaged wiring or too much load on one circuit. You can safely check for a faulty appliance by unplugging things and resetting the switch. If it trips again with everything unplugged, or you see burning, sparks or a smell, stop and call a licensed electrician.
Faults, no power and tripping are a regular part of our week: over 300 jobs for home owners in the 12 months to October 2026.
What is actually tripping
Your switchboard has two kinds of switches that can trip. A circuit breaker trips when a circuit is overloaded or has a short circuit. A safety switch (also called an RCD) trips when it detects electricity leaking where it should not, which can protect you from a shock.
Look at which switch has dropped. It tells you a lot about the likely cause. If you are not sure which is which, our guide on RCDs and safety switches explains them.
Common causes
- A faulty appliance. A worn kettle, toaster, heater, washing machine or power tool is the most common culprit.
- Moisture. Water in a power point, an outdoor light, a bathroom fan or a garden appliance can trip a safety switch, especially after rain.
- Overload. Too many high-power appliances on one circuit, such as a heater and a kettle together.
- Damaged or ageing wiring. Old insulation, rodent damage or a loose connection can leak current.
- A failing safety switch or circuit breaker. This is less common but does happen with age.
- Hot weather. Air conditioners and other large loads can overload a circuit on very hot days.
Safe checks you can do yourself
These steps do not involve opening anything. Stop at any point if you see damage, smell burning or feel unsafe.
- Note which switch has tripped and when it happened, for example when you turned on a particular appliance.
- Unplug everything on the affected circuit, or turn off all the appliances in that part of the house.
- Reset the switch by pushing it fully down to off and then up to on. Stand to the side and use a dry hand.
- If it stays on, plug in the appliances one at a time. The one that trips it again is the likely fault. Leave it unplugged and get it repaired or replaced.
- If it trips with nothing plugged in, or will not reset, stop. The fault is in the wiring or a fixed fitting and needs an electrician. If the whole house has gone dark, our guide on no power to the house may help.
Do not hold a switch on, tape it, or keep resetting it over and over. A switch that keeps tripping is doing its job.
When to stop and call us
- The switch trips straight away every time you reset it.
- It trips again after you have unplugged everything.
- You can smell burning, see scorch marks or hear buzzing at a power point or the board.
- The board feels warm or is damp.
- A power point or light has been wet.
- You have had a mild shock from an appliance or fitting.
If there is smoke, fire or a burning smell, switch off at the main switch if it is safe, leave the house and call 000.
What we do when you call
A licensed electrician tests each circuit to find where the leak or overload is, then repairs it or explains what needs replacing. If the board itself is old or has no safety switches, we will explain whether safety switch installation or a board upgrade makes sense. See our electrical fault finding page for how the job works, or our guide on what counts as an electrical emergency.
Do not ignore it
Repeated tripping is a warning. The cause may be harmless, such as an old kettle, or it may be a wiring fault that could become a fire or shock risk. A quick check now costs far less than the damage if it is left. Call Hoile Electrical on 0482 099 388 and we will tell you what is involved. We are available 24 hours, 7 days.
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Common questions
Why does my safety switch keep tripping when it rains?
Water can get into outdoor lights, power points or wiring and leak current to earth. If it only happens in wet weather, tell the electrician, as it helps pinpoint the fault.
Is it safe to keep resetting a switch that trips?
Resetting once or twice while you check appliances is fine. Repeatedly resetting a switch that keeps tripping is not safe, because the fault is still there.
Why does only one circuit trip?
That points to a fault on that circuit: an appliance plugged into it, a fitting, or the wiring. Other circuits are usually fine.
Can an old switchboard cause tripping?
Yes. Worn parts, loose connections and old safety switches can all cause nuisance tripping, though the fault is just as often in an appliance.
Can I fix a tripping circuit myself?
You can check and unplug appliances. Anything involving wiring, power points or the switchboard must be done by a licensed electrician in South Australia.
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