Why Your Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping & How To Fix It
If you’re regularly heading to the switchboard to reset a breaker, it may be time to take a closer look at what’s going on behind the scenes. A circuit breaker constantly tripping isn’t just inconvenient — it’s an indication that your electrical system may be under stress, overloaded, or not operating as safely as it should.
This article will explain what’s likely causing the issue, why shared safety mechanisms can contribute to it, and how installing dedicated circuits and separate RCDs can significantly improve the safety and reliability of your electrical system.
What Causes a Circuit Breaker to Trip?
Circuit breakers protect your home by cutting the power supply when they detect electrical faults such as overloads or short circuits—both of which can pose serious safety risks if left unchecked.
If your circuit breaker is constantly tripping, it’s doing its job, but it’s also signalling that something within the circuit isn’t right. The most common causes include:
- Overloaded circuits
- Short circuits
- Earth leakage
- Faulty appliances
- Shared RCDs
These issues are especially common in older properties or homes that have had multiple renovations without a full reassessment of the electrical load.
Why Overloading Is a Growing Concern
Modern homes use far more power than they were originally wired for. Between dishwashers, air fryers, home entertainment systems, and work-from-home tech setups, it’s easy to push a circuit past its capacity—especially in older homes.
When too many appliances run on the same line, it puts stress on the circuit. The breaker senses this and cuts power to prevent overheating and potential fires. If your circuit breaker is constantly tripping, it may be a clear sign your setup simply isn’t keeping up with your household’s demand.
The Problem With Shared RCDs
Residual Current Devices (RCDs), or safety switches, are essential in any modern switchboard. Their role is to detect current leakage and immediately shut off the supply to prevent an electric shock.
Older or budget installations often connect multiple circuits to a single RCD, so one small fault in an appliance or outlet can shut down the entire system. A single fault can often trigger widespread outages, even if the issue is isolated to one room or device.
From a practical standpoint, this makes fault-finding difficult and creates unnecessary disruption for occupants, particularly in homes or tenanted properties where power continuity is essential.
The Solution: Dedicated Circuits and Individual RCDs
Upgrading to dedicated circuits and separating RCDs is a proven way to resolve repeated tripping issues and modernise your switchboard for today’s electrical demands.
What Are Dedicated Circuits?
A dedicated circuit serves a single appliance or clearly defined area, like an oven, air conditioner, or home office setup. Dedicated circuits don’t share power with general-use outlets or other areas of the property. This targeted approach reduces the risk of overload, enhances performance, and provides a higher level of safety.
A licensed electrician, like any of our team at PWA Electrical Services, often will install dedicated circuits as standard in newer homes, especially for high-demand appliances. In older homes, however, this level of protection and efficiency is typically lacking, making it an excellent area to consider for upgrades.
Why Use Individual RCDs?
Assigning an RCD to each circuit ensures that if a fault does occur, it only affects that specific area. The rest of the home remains operational, making it easier to isolate and rectify the problem with minimal disruption. Electricians now consider this setup best practice under Australian Standards, and it’s becoming essential in both residential and rental properties.
When to Call a Licensed Electrician
Frequent tripping is a sign that your system requires professional attention. Simply resetting the breaker each time may seem like a temporary fix, but it won’t address the underlying cause — and in some cases, it can allow a small issue to develop into a much more serious hazard.
A licensed electrician, like any of our team at PWA Electrical Services, will test, assess, and bring your entire system up to standard. This includes inspecting the current circuit load, identifying faults or wiring concerns, and recommending appropriate upgrades such as dedicated circuits and modern switchboard protection.
Why It Matters
Investing in dedicated circuits and proper RCD protection doesn’t just reduce inconvenience — it helps safeguard your property, extend the life of your appliances, and ensure your electrical system is equipped to handle the demands of modern living.
For landlords and property managers, it also ensures compliance with current rental safety regulations, reducing exposure to liability and keeping tenants safe
Reliable Power Starts with PWA Electrical Services
Ongoing power interruptions don’t just cause frustration — they often indicate that your electrical system is outdated or under strain. Ignoring the issue increases the risk to both your property and your safety over time.
At PWA Electrical Services, our team of fully licensed electricians specialises in identifying the root cause of electrical faults and delivering solutions that last.
Get in touch with us today to book an electrical inspection. We’ll not only fix the issue but also futureproof your system and restore a lasting peace of mind.