Why does my Fusebox keep tripping?

Whilst that is not immediately helpful, let’s look in more detail at the common causes of this.

Your Fusebox is faulty

Strangely enough, a tripping fuse box does not mean that the Fusebox is faulty in most cases. It is a common misconception that there must be a problem with the fuse box itself when switches begin to trip. In fact, it is more likely that the fuse box is actually working as intended and safely disconnecting the faulty circuit(s) to keep you and your installation safe from harm. 

There is faulty equipment connected

This is without a doubt the most likely cause of a tripping circuit in your fuse box. When the fuse box trips, it is more likely that an appliance or piece of connected equipment is actually to blame. Try disconnecting all the plug from the plug sockets (don’t just turn them off!) in your property and then attempt to reset the trip switch. 

If this does not work then you need a professional qualified electrician to come and check the fault for you using specialised test equipment. 

There is damage to wiring

Another common cause of fuse box tripping is damaged wiring. Whilst this may baffle you at first, think back over the last couple of weeks and try to remember if you have carried out any DIY like hanging a picture, putting up shelves, or securing squeaky floorboards? 

The most common cause of damage to wiring is DIY mishaps and accidental damage. Wiring can also become damaged through:

• Rodent infestation
• Overheating
• Overloading
• Moisture ingress
• General wear and tear / age
• There are loose connections

Occasionally an RCD / RCB / RCCB trip switch can operate if there are loose connections on a circuit / in the fuse box / outside in the street. This is less common than a faulty appliance causing an issue but does still occur. 

These RCD devices are there to prevent electrical shocks and they are incredibly sensitive to a variety of faults that may occur. Whilst this can be irritating, they are keeping you and your property safe. 

There is a Short Circuit

When two wires touch, a short circuit can be created, this makes your Fusebox very unhappy indeed. A short circuit occurs when Live touched Neutral in the wire, appliance, or light fitting. This short circuit situation can be caused by a nail, poor installation or failing appliances. 

Short circuits involve massive electrical currents that flow instantaneously and, without immediate circuit disconnect, would result in a fire! Your Fusebox usually indicates if a short circuit has occurred with a loud BANG as the circuit breaker trips or the fuse blows. 

There is a Fault to Earth

When a live or neutral wire comes into contact with earth, a modern Fusebox will often blow a fuse or trip a switch to save the wiring from overload, overheating and fire. This kind of fault is as serious as a short circuit fault and should not be left to carry on without professional investigation. 

Can I just keep resetting the switch?

I really wouldn’t, no seriously!

The issue with resetting a switch continually is that the fault is not identified nor fixed. This can result in more expensive repairs due to costly wiring damage. Components in the Fusebox can fail quickly as a result and some components may be obsolete or difficult to source!

Conclusion

Please do not reset a trip switch or rewire a fuse more than once. If there is a problem that is causing your Fusebox to trip it needs immediate investigation to ensure your safety, prevent mega expensive repairs and to prevent further damage to wiring. 

If you have an electrical trip switch problem in Salisbury or surrounding areas then don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.