Why does my safety switch keep tripping?

Published: July 30, 2021

You are in the middle of a cook fest and your oven just stopped working.

Perhaps you were just munching on popcorns and watching your favourite Netflix show. The next thing you know, your TV just went black and your room is pitch-black.

The reason : Safety Switch. You flick it up and the safety switch keeps tripping again and again.

Function of a Safety Switch

A safety switch is designed to protect people from electric shocks. The safety switch cuts off the power supply within miliseconds when a current leak is detected.So if your safety switch keeps tripping, there is an underlying issue that needs to be checked by an electrician. At Watmar Electricians, our electricians are commited to responding quickly to your urgent electrical needs. Give our emergency electricians a call on 1300 208 206 and we will be able to assist.

Reasons why your safety switch keeps tripping

A safety switch can trip due to a couple of reasons:

• Faulty Appliance
• Circuit
• Using too many appliances at the same time
• Water damage caused by heavy rainfall
• Faulty Wiring

Difference Between Circuit Breakers and Safety Switches

Circuit breakers are used to protect the electrical circuit. They cut off the power supply when too much current is flowing through the circuit. Overcurrent can overheat an appliance, melt the wiring and cause a fire.

Safety switches protect people whereas circuit breakers and fuses protect the electrical circuit. However, one safety switch is not enough. We use multiple appliances and devices. Hence, adding extra safety switches are essential to protect all other circuits.

What to do if your safety switch keeps tripping?

A simple fix may be to just flick the safety switch button to the ON position. Hopefully, that fixes your problem. Sometimes it is a temporary electrical fault and can be fixed easily.

Otherwise, the next steps are to find the appliance causing the issue.

Unplug all the appliances, the simples ones like the toaster, kettle and the hidden ones like the dishwasher, fridge, oven. Try to reset the safety switch again. If it remains on, re-plug all the appliances one by one. If the switch trips again on plugging an appliance, the appliance needs to be checked by an electrician.

If you are still having trouble with your safety switch, talk to a professional electrician who will be able to diagnose and repair the problem.

Your Local Emergency Electricians

Need help with your safety switch? For professional and reliable electrical services, you can count on us. Contact us on 1300 208 206 or complete our quick online electrician booking request form today.