💥 Breakers Tripping? DIY Before Calling US

What To Do When Your Safety Switch or Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping

If your safety switch or breaker has tripped, don’t panic—many issues can be narrowed down with a bit of DIY fault finding before you call in the pros. At Hopkinson Electrical, we’ve put together a clear step-by-step guide to help you identify if the issue is a faulty appliance, a circuit overload, or something more serious.

Step 1: Identify the Tripped Breaker

Look for the breaker or safety switch that’s in the “off” position. If it has a “TEST” button on it, you’re dealing with a safety switch (RCD/RCBO), which is designed to protect you from electric shock.

• No test button? It’s likely a standard circuit breaker. Don’t muck around with it—call an electrician: 📞 0425 626 989.

Step 2: Try Resetting the Switch

Flick the tripped safety switch back to the “on” position.

• ✅ If it stays on – great! Now press the TEST button.

• If the switch trips when tested: this means it’s functioning correctly. Flick it back on. If it stays on, you’re good to go.

• If it keeps tripping even after resetting, continue with the steps below.

• ❌ If it won’t stay on at all: move to Step 3.

Step 3: Unplug Everything and Turn Off All Lights

Go around the home and:

• Unplug every appliance in the affected area (fridge, TV, kettle, microwave, etc.)

• Turn off all wall switches and lights on that circuit.

Once that’s done, go back and try resetting the safety switch again.

Step 4: Begin the Plug-In Process (One by One)

If the switch stays on after the reset:

1. Start plugging appliances back in one at a time.

2. After plugging each appliance in, switch it on and check if the breaker trips again.

• ⚠️ If the safety switch trips after plugging in a certain appliance, that appliance is likely faulty.

• Leave it unplugged and continue testing the rest.

• You can organise repair or replacement for that faulty item.

Step 5: No Appliance Fault? It Might Be Wiring or the Switch Itself

If you’ve unplugged everything and the safety switch still won’t reset, or trips immediately, it could be:

• Faulty wiring in the circuit (e.g. water ingress in an outdoor fitting)

• A defective safety switch or breaker itself

👉 In these cases, don’t try to DIY any further—this is a job for a licensed electrician. Give us a call at Hopkinson Electrical: 📞 0425 626 989.

Common Issues We See:

• Moisture in outdoor power points or garden lights

• Appliances with worn cords or internal faults

• Overloaded circuits (too many high-draw appliances on one line)

• Faulty safety switches that need replacement

Bonus Tips:

• If it’s the hot water system that’s tripping the switch, this is very common with aging elements or wet terminals.

• Fridges and dishwashers are common culprits - they often trip intermittently, especially during defrost cycles or when motors kick in.

• Keep an eye out for appliances recently plugged in before the tripping started.

📞 When to Call Hopkinson Electrical

• You’ve followed the guide and the issue still isn’t resolved.

• You suspect the issue is in the wiring, not the appliances.

• Your breaker trips even when everything is unplugged.

• You’d rather not mess with it - we’re happy to help.