Why Your Electrics Keep Tripping: A Guide to Tripped Circuits and How to Fix Them

There’s little more frustrating than the sudden, unwelcome silence that follows a tripped circuit breaker. One minute you're going about your day, the next your lights are out, your computer is off, and you're left in the dark wondering, "what just happened?"

At 786 Electricals, we get calls about this issue all the time. While a tripped circuit is a safety feature designed to protect your home, a recurring problem can be a real headache. In this guide, we'll break down the most common reasons your electrics keep tripping, helping you understand the problem and, more importantly, how to solve it.

The Basics: How a Circuit Breaker Works

First, let's understand why this happens. Your fuse box (or consumer unit) is the heart of your home's electrical system. Inside are circuit breakers, which are essentially safety switches. Each breaker controls a specific circuit, like your upstairs lights or your kitchen sockets.

When the electrical current flowing through a circuit becomes too high, the circuit breaker automatically "trips" or switches off. This action prevents overheating, fires, and damage to your electrical appliances.

So, what causes this sudden surge in current?

Top 3 Reasons Your Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping

1. Circuit Overload: The Most Common Culprit

This is the number one reason we see tripped circuits. A circuit overload occurs when you plug too many high-power devices into one circuit.

• Example: You have your kettle, toaster, microwave, and dishwasher all running on the same kitchen circuit. When the combined power draw exceeds the circuit's capacity, the breaker trips to prevent the wires from overheating.
• The Fix: Unplug some of the appliances. Try to distribute your devices across different circuits. Use a separate plug socket for high-power items if possible. If the breaker stays on after you've unplugged a few items, you've found the issue.

2. Short Circuits: A More Serious Problem

A short circuit is a more dangerous issue that requires immediate attention from a qualified electrician. This happens when a "live" wire and a "neutral" wire touch, causing a massive surge of current.

• Example: A frayed electrical cord, a loose wire inside a plug socket, or even a damaged appliance can cause a short circuit. You might notice a burning smell or sparks before the breaker trips.
• The Fix: If you suspect a short circuit, do not reset the breaker. Unplug all devices on that circuit and call a professional. At 786 Electricals, we can quickly diagnose and safely repair a short circuit, protecting your home from fire hazards.

3. Earth Faults: Safety System in Action

An earth fault (or ground fault) is another serious issue where an electrical current finds an unintended path to the ground. This could happen through a damaged appliance casing or a faulty wire touching a metal surface.

• Example: A washing machine with a damaged internal wire might cause a current to flow through the metal casing. If you were to touch it, you'd risk a serious electric shock. Your RCD (Residual Current Device) is designed to detect this and trip the circuit immediately.
• The Fix: If your RCD or a specific breaker trips due to an earth fault, the first step is to unplug all appliances on that circuit. If the breaker stays on, plug the appliances back in one by one to identify the faulty device. If the problem persists, it's time to call an expert.

When to Call an Electrician in Leicester

While some tripped circuits are a simple fix, others are a warning sign. Here’s a quick checklist to help you decide when it's time to call in the professionals at 786 Electricals:

• The breaker trips immediately after you reset it, even with nothing plugged in.
• You can't identify a specific appliance causing the trip.
• You see sparks, smell burning, or notice physical damage to a socket or wire.
• The same breaker keeps tripping repeatedly, even after you've tried redistributing your appliances.
• You're dealing with an older fuse box and are unsure of the cause.



Your Local Solution: 786 Electricals.co.uk

Don't ignore a recurring problem with your home's electrics. It’s not just an inconvenience; it could be a safety risk. As your trusted local electricians in Leicester, we specialise in diagnosing and resolving all types of electrical faults. From simple overloads to complex short circuits, we have the expertise to get your power back on safely and efficiently.

For a reliable, professional, and friendly electrician in Leicester, contact 786 Electricals today.