What To Do When Your Safety Switch Starts Tripping

Why Does My Safety Switch Keep Tripping? Here's What You Need to Know

Electricity is a vital part of our daily lives, but its safety is often overlooked. Safety switches are not just another electrical component; they are the guardians of your property, ensuring protection from electrical shock. These small but vital devices act as your last line of defence, automatically cutting power when a fault is detected in your electrical system.

While safety switches are designed to protect you, it can be frustrating when they trip and cut off power. So, why does this happen, and what should you do?

Common Causes of Safety Switch Tripping

A safety switch trips when it detects a disruption in the electrical flow, often indicating an issue that could lead to electric shock. Some common reasons for a safety switch to trip include:

1. Overloaded Power Sockets or Boards: Plugging too many devices into one socket or power board can overload the circuit, causing the safety switch to trip.

2. Faulty Appliances: Appliances with electrical faults, such as frayed cords or malfunctioning parts, can cause the switch to trip.

3. Issues with Home Wiring: Older or damaged wiring may disrupt electrical flow and trip the safety switch.

4. Water Exposure: Water affecting the circuits, such as from heavy rain, a leaking pipe, or sprinklers hitting an outdoor outlet, can trigger the safety switch to cut power.

Can I Reset the Safety Switch Myself?

While electrical work should always be handled by a licensed electrician, resetting a safety switch is usually a straightforward and safe process. Here’s how to reset it:

1. Try to Reset the Switch: Flip the safety switch back to the "ON" position. If the issue was temporary, this might resolve the problem.

2. If the Switch Won’t Reset:

   • Unplug all appliances and turn off any lights on the affected circuit. Make sure to unplug larger devices like refrigerators or washing machines.

   • Try resetting the switch again.

   • If it still won’t reset, call a licensed electrician immediately. Do not reconnect appliances or touch the electrical system until a professional checks it. Failure to reset the safety switch correctly or to identify the root cause of the tripping can lead to potential electrical hazards, including fire or electric shock.

How to Test Your Safety Switch

Regular testing of your safety switch is essential to ensure it’s functioning correctly. Here’s how to test it:

1. Inform Everyone: Let everyone in the property know you’re about to test the safety switch since the power will go out.

2. Press the Test Button: On your switchboard, locate the "T" or "Test" button on each safety switch and press it. When you press the test button, the switch should flick to the "OFF" position, cutting power to that circuit. Check that all outlets and switches on the circuit have lost power. Any outlets still with power are unprotected.

   • The switch should flick to the "OFF" position, cutting power to that circuit.

   • Check that all outlets and switches on the circuit have lost power. Any outlets still with power are unprotected.

3. If the Switch Doesn’t Respond: If a switch does not flick off when you press the test button, it could indicate a problem with the switch or the circuit. In this case, it's crucial to contact a licensed electrician immediately to inspect the system. A licensed electrician has the expertise to identify and resolve any issues with your safety switch or electrical system.

4. Repeat for All Switches: Test all safety switches in your switchboard.

When to Test Your Safety Switch

Test your safety switches every six months to ensure they’re working properly. Regular testing ensures your safety switch is ready to protect you if an electrical fault occurs.

What to Do if Your Safety Switch Keeps Tripping

If your safety switch trips repeatedly, it may signal a deeper issue with your circuit or the switch itself, which can be dangerous. In these cases, contact a licensed electrician to investigate and resolve the problem safely.

How We Can Help

At TNG Electrical, our licensed A-grade electricians help with installations, maintenance, and emergency repairs in residential and commercial properties. We prioritise your safety and provide fast, expert service to keep your electrical systems in top condition.

Do you need help with your safety switch or have an electrical emergency? Call us at 0405 524 788 or use the link below to book an appointment. Stay safe with TNG Electrical, your trusted electrical partner.