A breaker or RCD that keeps tripping is annoying — but it’s a safety device working correctly. Something is causing it, and the trick is to find out what. Here’s how.
First, which device is tripping?
An MCB trips on overload or a short circuit on one circuit. An RCD trips on earth leakage — often a sign of moisture or a faulty appliance. Knowing which one helps narrow the cause.
Common causes
- A faulty appliance — kettles, washing machines and heaters are frequent culprits.
- Water or damp — moisture in a socket, outdoor fitting or light fitting.
- An overloaded circuit — too much drawn from one circuit at once.
- A damaged cable — a nail or screw through a cable, or rodent damage.
- Cumulative earth leakage — several appliances each leaking a tiny amount can add up to trip an RCD.
How to narrow it down safely
Unplug everything on the affected circuit, reset the breaker, then plug items back in one at a time. If it trips when a particular appliance goes on, that appliance is likely the fault. Never tape or hold a breaker in the ON position — it’s there to protect you.
When to call an electrician
If it trips with nothing plugged in, trips repeatedly, or you can’t find the cause, it points to a wiring fault that needs investigating. Our fault finding service traces it properly — 24/7, no fix no fee.
Common questions
Unplug everything on that circuit, reset the breaker, then reconnect appliances one at a time. When it trips again, the last item you plugged in is the likely cause.
The RCD tripping is protecting you, but the underlying fault should be found. If there’s also a burning smell, sparking or scorching, switch off and call an electrician immediately.
Often a time-controlled appliance (immersion heater, washing machine, storage heater) develops a fault, or an appliance on standby leaks to earth. We can trace the exact cause.
Fuse board keeps tripping?
We’ll trace the fault and fix it — 24/7 across East London, no fix, no fee.
Call 020 7473 7807