Fuse Box tripping happens when there is a fault in your electrical installation or one of your appliances. We will explain what can cause the fault and what can be done to fix the Main Fuse Box tripping.
Reasons for fuse box tripping
RCD / RCBO in fuse box tripping
You have RCD (Residual Circuit Device) protection in your dual RCD fuse board and a RCBO in other boards. An RCBO is a device which has an RCD build into a circuit breaker combined. They monitor the electrical current flowing though a circuit. The RCD will trip automatically if a fault is detected. The diagram below shows how this works and when you will have Fuse Box Tripping.
When there is a fault power is diverted to earth through one of several reasons
- A person is getting an electric shock
- Moisture is leaking from an appliance (washing machine, kettle, dishwasher etc)
- Outside light or socket has broken cover allowing water to come into contact with power.
- Appliances like Computers, TV creating too much earth leakage
Circuit Breaker (MCB) in Fuse box tripping
The MCB is part of your fuse board. They will trip for one of two reasons:-
- Circuit is overloaded
- You have a short circuit.
Each circuit has a rating in Amps which it is designed for. If you keep adding appliances to the circuit, you will eventually overload it. This can lead to a fire if the MCB does not trip.
A short circuit may happen if moisture comes between Line and Neutral cables, This can also happen if you have old cable in the electrical installation, in this case the cable insulation will start to break down leading to Line and Neutral cables touching each other. This will lead to a short circuit.
Actions to take for a Tripping fault
RCD / RCBO Fault
- Remove all plugs from sockets.
- For Appliances hard wired into power supply (without a plug in socket) – turn of power switch for them.
- Try to reset the RCD / RCBO by pushing switch fully down and then fully up. If RCD / RCBO resets go to step 4. If RCD / RCBO will not reset then call Goodwin Electrical in Plymouth on 01752 916047 for further assistance.
- With RCD / RCBO reset plug in each appliance one at a time until RCD / RCBO trips (this will identify which appliance is causing the tripping)
- If RCD / RCBO will not Reset then call Goodwin Electrical in Plymouth on 01752 916047 or fill in our Free Quote Form.
Circuit Breaker (MCB / RCBO) Tripping Fault
This is a more serious fault, call Goodwin Electrical in Plymouth on 01752 916047.
Note:
If your RCD, RCBO or MCB will not reset then DO NOT KEEP TRYING TO RESET IT, this can lead to a fire or DEATH. You have a potential very dangerous fault.
These signs demand due assistance from an experienced electrician in Plymouth as DIY attempts can lead to serious trouble and injury. Call Goodwin Electrical, professional electricians in Plymouth on 01752 916047
