Why Does My Safety Switch Keep Tripping?

Why Does My Safety Switch Keep Tripping?

Does your safety switch (RCD) keep interrupting your power? While annoying, this frequent tripping actually means it's doing its job, protecting you from electrical hazards. But understanding the cause of the tripping is key for a safe, functional electrical system.

We have put together this guide to help you understand your safety switch. We'll explain how safety switches work, why they’re important, and what usually causes tripping. You'll learn how to fix small problems yourself and when to call us for help. You will gain the knowledge you need to keep your home safe and stop your safety switch tripping.

What Is a Safety Switch & How Does it Work?

A safety switch, also known as a Residual Current Device (RCD), is an essential electrical safety device designed to protect you from electric shock. Unlike a circuit breaker, which protects your electrical circuits from overload, a safety switch monitors the flow of electricity.

A safety switch constantly monitors the electrical current flowing in and out of a circuit. If it detects an imbalance, which means some electricity is leaking, your electrical safety switch will trip and immediately cut off the power. This happens within milliseconds, helping to prevent serious injury or even death from electric shock.

What Happens When My Safety Switch Trips?

When a safety switch or RCD trips, it instantly cuts off the power to the specific circuit it's connected to, safeguarding you from potential electrical hazards. However, it's crucial to note that most homes have multiple circuits, so a single tripped switch may not result in a complete power outage.

If you experience a power loss, it's possible your safety switch has tripped.  Check your fuse box or switchboard for the affected switch. If it's in the "OFF" position, it has tripped. But be aware that newer systems might only partially switch off, so carefully inspect its position. If the switch is still "ON" and your power is out, the problem lies elsewhere in your electrical system. If the switch is indeed "OFF," it's time to safely investigate the cause of the trip.

Reasons My Safety Switched Trips

Here are some of the most common reasons why your safety switch might be tripping:

• Faulty Appliances: An appliance with damaged wiring or internal faults can cause a power trip. Toasters, kettles, and fridges are common culprits.
• Damaged Wiring: Old, worn, or damaged electrical wiring can create a path for electricity to "leak," triggering your safety switch.
• Overloaded Circuits: Plugging too many appliances into a single power point or power board can overload the circuit, causing the safety switch to trip.
• Moisture or Dampness: Water and electricity don't mix. Even a small amount of moisture in electrical outlets or appliances can cause a safety switch to trip. This is especially common in humid areas like Brisbane.
• Nuisance Tripping: Sometimes, electrical storms or voltage fluctuations can cause a temporary power trip. This is often referred to as "nuisance tripping" and usually resolves itself.
• Faulty Safety Switch: In rare cases, the safety switch itself may be faulty and need replacing.

If your electrical switch keeps tripping, it's important to identify the cause and take appropriate action. In some cases, you may be able to troubleshoot the issue yourself. However, if the problem persists or you're unsure of the cause, it's crucial to call a qualified electrician.

Take a look at this video from Worksafe Queensland regarding nuisance tripping here

What Should I Do If My Safety Switch is Tripping?

If your safety switch is tripping, here’s what to do:

#1 - Reset the Safety Switch

Locate your switchboard and identify the tripped switch (it will be in the down position). Push the switch firmly to the off position, then back to the on position.

#2 - Unplug Your Appliances

If the safety switch doesn't reset after you've flipped it, you'll need to do some further investigation. If the tripping switch is connected to power points, unplug all appliances on that circuit. Remember, simply switching them off at the power point isn't enough, you must physically unplug them.

#3 - Isolate the Problem

Plug the appliances back in one at a time and if the switch remains on after unplugging everything, start plugging appliances back in one by one. If the switch trips when you plug a particular device in, that's likely the cause.

Important Note: If your main switch is tripping, or if the switch trips repeatedly even after unplugging everything, call an electrician immediately. This could indicate a more serious electrical fault.

Safety Switch Regulations in Queensland

Queensland has strict safety switch regulations in place to protect homeowners and renters. All new homes built or significantly renovated since 2000 must have safety switches installed on all power and lighting circuits.

If you're buying an older property, you must install safety switches on all power point circuits within three months of the property transfer. Additionally, rental properties must have safety switches on all circuits within six months of a new tenancy agreement.

These regulations are designed to ensure maximum protection from electrical hazards. Urban Energy can help you understand and comply with these requirements, ensuring your property is safe and compliant.

When to Call an Electrician 

While you can troubleshoot some safety switch issues, it's crucial to know when to call in a professional. Contact Urban Energy, your trusted Brisbane electricians, if:

• The safety switch trips repeatedly even after you've unplugged everything and identified no obvious cause
• The main switch trips as this is a serious concern, indicating a significant fault in your electrical system. Don't try to fix this yourself.
• If you see burnt outlets, sparking, or damaged wiring, call an electrician immediately. 
• You smell burning from your switchboard or power points signals an electrical fire risk. Shut off the main power and evacuate.
• If your safety switch trips after water exposure (e.g. flooding), call an electrician to assess the situation and ensure your electrical system is safe.
• If you're unsure, always err on the side of caution and call a professional. Electricity can be dangerous, and a licensed electrician has the expertise to diagnose and repair the issue safely.

Urban Energy provides 24/7 emergency electrical services across Brisbane, South Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, and the Gold Coast. Our team of qualified electricians are ready to help you with any safety switch issue so contact us our friendly team on 0478 101 304.

References:
Electrical Safety QLD FAQs
QLD Gov Electrical Safety Switches