Few things are more frustrating than the power cutting out every time it rains, or the moment you switch on the kettle. A safety switch (RCD) that keeps tripping is doing its job: it has detected something wrong. Here’s how to work out what’s causing it, what you can safely check yourself, and when to call an electrician.
What a tripping safety switch means
A safety switch trips when it detects electricity leaking to earth, which is exactly what happens when someone gets an electric shock. Rather than ignoring it or holding it up, treat it as a warning that something on that circuit needs attention.
The most common causes
- A faulty appliance: kettles, toasters, washing machines, fridges, heaters and power tools are common culprits, especially as they age.
- Moisture: water getting into outdoor power points, light fittings, garden lights or pool equipment, often after rain.
- Damaged extension leads or power boards.
- Wiring faults: damaged insulation, rodents chewing cables or loose connections.
- Too many appliances on one RCD: small leakages from several appliances can add up and cause nuisance tripping.
- A faulty RCD: occasionally the safety switch itself is worn out.
How to find the problem safely
- Switch off and unplug everything on the affected circuit.
- Reset the safety switch.
- If it holds, plug appliances back in one at a time, waiting a few minutes between each. When it trips again, you’ve likely found the faulty appliance.
- If it trips with everything unplugged, the problem is probably in the fixed wiring, a light fitting or an outdoor outlet. Leave it off and call an electrician.
Never hold the switch up, tape it, or try to bypass it. Never open switchboards, power points or light fittings yourself. In WA, all fixed electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician.
Tripping when it rains?
If your safety switch trips during or after rain, water is getting in somewhere: outdoor power points, garden lights, sensor lights, pool or bore pumps, or damaged underground cables are the usual suspects. These need to be found and fixed, as wet electrical fittings are a shock risk.
When to call an electrician
- The switch trips with all appliances unplugged
- It trips repeatedly, especially after rain
- You notice burning smells, buzzing, heat or scorch marks
- Your switchboard has old fuses or only one RCD
- The RCD won’t reset at all
We use proper test equipment to trace faults quickly rather than guessing. If your switchboard is old, we may recommend a switchboard upgrade with RCDs split across more circuits, which reduces nuisance tripping. For urgent faults, see our emergency call-out service.
We fix tripping safety switches across Roleystone, Kelmscott, Armadale, Bedfordale, Byford and nearby suburbs.
Frequently asked questions
Is it dangerous if my safety switch keeps tripping?
The tripping itself is protecting you, but the cause can be dangerous. Find and fix it rather than living with it.
Can a safety switch trip for no reason?
Rarely. There’s usually a cause, even if it’s intermittent, such as moisture or an appliance that only leaks when it heats up.
How often should I test my safety switch?
Press the test button every three months. It should trip straight away.
Safety switch still tripping? Call David on 0404 241 051 or request a free, no-obligation quote. All our work is carried out by a licensed electrical contractor (EC 15388) and comes with a 3 year warranty.
