Breaker or RCD keeps tripping: causes and what to do
22/10/2026
A tripping circuit breaker is first of all good news: your installation is protecting itself. But when it keeps happening, you need to find the cause. Here is how to do it safely.
Breaker or RCD: which one tripped?
In your distribution board, each circuit breaker protects one circuit (kitchen sockets, lighting, water heater…). It trips on overload or short circuit. The residual current device (RCD), wider and usually fitted with a test button, protects people: it cuts the power when it detects a current leak, for example due to moisture or a faulty appliance.
The most common causes
A tripping breaker often means too many powerful appliances on the same circuit (oven, dishwasher and kettle at the same time), an appliance with a short circuit, or a damaged socket. A tripping RCD usually points to a faulty appliance (washing machine, fridge, water heater…), moisture in an outdoor socket or junction box, or a damaged cable.
What to do, step by step
1. Unplug the appliances on the affected circuit, or in the whole house if the RCD tripped.
2. Switch the breaker or RCD back on.
3. Plug the appliances back in one at a time. If everything cuts out when you plug in a specific appliance, you have found the culprit: have it repaired or replaced.
4. If it trips while everything is unplugged, the problem is in the installation itself: do not keep trying.
What you must never do
Never block a breaker or RCD in the on position, and never replace it with a higher rating "so it stops tripping". It is there to prevent fire or electrocution. Do not open the distribution board yourself.
When to call an electrician right away
Call a professional if the breaker or RCD trips again with everything unplugged, will not switch back on, or if you notice a burning smell, a hot socket or board, black marks, crackling, or water near an electrical installation. In those cases, switch off the main power if you can do so safely.
EPC Technixs provides 7-day emergency call-outs for electrical faults: fault finding, repair and, if needed, upgrading the distribution board.
Breaker or RCD: which one tripped?
In your distribution board, each circuit breaker protects one circuit (kitchen sockets, lighting, water heater…). It trips on overload or short circuit. The residual current device (RCD), wider and usually fitted with a test button, protects people: it cuts the power when it detects a current leak, for example due to moisture or a faulty appliance.
The most common causes
A tripping breaker often means too many powerful appliances on the same circuit (oven, dishwasher and kettle at the same time), an appliance with a short circuit, or a damaged socket. A tripping RCD usually points to a faulty appliance (washing machine, fridge, water heater…), moisture in an outdoor socket or junction box, or a damaged cable.
What to do, step by step
1. Unplug the appliances on the affected circuit, or in the whole house if the RCD tripped.
2. Switch the breaker or RCD back on.
3. Plug the appliances back in one at a time. If everything cuts out when you plug in a specific appliance, you have found the culprit: have it repaired or replaced.
4. If it trips while everything is unplugged, the problem is in the installation itself: do not keep trying.
What you must never do
Never block a breaker or RCD in the on position, and never replace it with a higher rating "so it stops tripping". It is there to prevent fire or electrocution. Do not open the distribution board yourself.
When to call an electrician right away
Call a professional if the breaker or RCD trips again with everything unplugged, will not switch back on, or if you notice a burning smell, a hot socket or board, black marks, crackling, or water near an electrical installation. In those cases, switch off the main power if you can do so safely.
EPC Technixs provides 7-day emergency call-outs for electrical faults: fault finding, repair and, if needed, upgrading the distribution board.