Why Your Safety Switch Keeps Tripping (And What To Do About It)

Introduction

If your safety switch keeps tripping, it’s usually a sign that something isn’t safe in your electrical system.

While it can be frustrating, it’s actually doing its job — protecting you from electric shock.

Here’s what could be causing it.

1. Faulty Appliances

One of the most common causes is a faulty appliance.

To test:

• Unplug everything

• Reset the safety switch

• Plug appliances back in one at a time

If it trips when a certain appliance is plugged in, that appliance may be the issue.

2. Moisture or Water Ingress

Outdoor power points, garden lighting and roof spaces are common areas where moisture can cause faults.

This is especially common in older Richmond homes.

3. Damaged Wiring

Older wiring, rodent damage, or deteriorated insulation can cause leakage to earth.

This requires professional fault finding.

4. Overloaded Circuits

Running too many high-load appliances on one circuit can cause nuisance tripping.

Switchboard upgrades often solve this properly.

When Should You Call an Electrician?

If:

• The safety switch won’t reset

• It trips repeatedly

• You smell burning

• Lights dim before it trips

• You’re unsure what’s causing it

It’s time to call a licensed electrician.

Electrical Repairs in Richmond & Melbourne

Blunt’s Electrical has been servicing Richmond and surrounding suburbs since 1993.

We specialise in:

• Fault finding
• Electrical repairs
• Switchboard upgrades
• Safety switch replacements
• Power and lighting issues

We focus on proper diagnosis, not temporary fixes.

Call 9428 6770 or book online.