Why does my fuse board keep tripping? Causes and what to do

When your power suddenly goes off and a switch on the fuse board has flipped down, the board is doing its job. RCDs and circuit breakers cut the power when they detect a problem, to protect you from electric shock and fire.

Common causes

  • A faulty appliance. Kettles, toasters, washing machines and outdoor equipment are frequent culprits.
  • Too much on one circuit. Running several high-power appliances at once can overload a circuit and trip its breaker.
  • Damp or water. Rain getting into an outside light or socket, or a leak near wiring, often trips an RCD.
  • Wear or damage in the wiring. Older wiring, or a cable damaged by a nail or screw, can cause faults.

What you can safely check

  • Unplug everything on the affected circuit, then reset the switch on the fuse board.
  • Plug appliances back in one at a time. If the board trips when one goes in, that appliance is probably the problem. Stop using it.
  • Notice whether it trips in wet weather. That points to an outside light, socket or cable.

Never tape or hold a switch in the on position, and never take the cover off the fuse board.

When to call an electrician

  • The switch will not reset, even with everything unplugged.
  • It keeps tripping and you cannot find a pattern.
  • You smell burning, see scorch marks or hear buzzing from the board or a socket.
  • Your fuse board is old, with wire fuses or no RCD.

If you smell burning or see sparks, turn off the power at the main switch if it is safe to, and call an emergency electrician straight away. If there is a fire, leave the building and call 999.

Need help? FastFuse electricians cover Harlow and towns across Essex, Hertfordshire and north and east London, 24 hours a day, with no call-out fee. Call 07483 756890 or send us a message.