Understanding Circuit Breakers and RCDs
Modern consumer units contain two types of protection: MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers) that protect individual circuits from overload, and RCDs (Residual Current Devices) that detect dangerous earth faults and cut power in milliseconds.
When a breaker trips, it's doing its job – protecting you and your home from electrical danger. However, frequent tripping indicates an underlying problem that needs attention.
Common Causes of Tripping
Overloaded Circuit
Too many appliances drawing power from one circuit can cause the breaker to trip. This is a safety feature preventing overheating and potential fires.
Faulty Appliance
A single faulty appliance with an electrical fault can trip the RCD. Unplug appliances one by one to identify the culprit.
Damaged Wiring
Worn, damaged, or rodent-chewed wiring can cause shorts that trip the breaker. This requires professional inspection and repair.
Water Ingress
Moisture in electrical fittings, especially outdoor sockets or bathrooms, can cause earth leakage and trip the RCD.
Faulty Circuit Breaker
Sometimes the breaker itself is worn out and trips too easily. This is more common in older consumer units.
Troubleshooting Steps
Before calling an electrician, you can try these safe troubleshooting steps:
- Identify which circuit is tripping: Check your consumer unit labels to see which circuit is affected.
- Unplug all appliances: On that circuit, disconnect everything from the sockets.
- Reset the breaker: If it stays on with nothing plugged in, the circuit wiring is likely okay.
- Test each appliance: Plug in one appliance at a time and test. If the breaker trips, you've found the faulty appliance.
- Reduce the load: If no single appliance causes tripping but multiple do, the circuit may be overloaded.
When to Call a Professional
Contact a qualified electrician if:
- The breaker trips with nothing plugged in
- You can't identify which appliance is causing the problem
- Multiple circuits are tripping
- The RCD trips but MCBs don't
- There are burn marks or smells around the consumer unit
- The breaker is warm to touch
- You're uncomfortable working with your consumer unit
Professional Fault Finding
Energy Path Electrical uses specialist diagnostic equipment to quickly identify the exact cause of tripping circuits. We'll test your wiring, check for earth leakage, assess circuit loading, and provide a transparent quote for any necessary repairs.