How to Fault Find a Tripping Safety Switch in Your Home

A tripping safety switch (also known as a residual current device or RCD) is a common issue many homeowners face. While it can be frustrating, it’s important to remember that your safety switch is doing its job by protecting you from electrical faults. However, finding the cause of the tripping can save you time, money, and stress.

At Level Electrical Port Macquarie, we’re here to help you understand how to safely fault-find a tripping safety switch in your home. Below, we’ll guide you through the steps to identify the problem.

Why Does a Safety Switch Trip?

Safety switches are designed to protect you from electrical hazards by cutting off power when they detect a fault, such as:

• Earth leakage: Small amounts of current escaping to earth.
• Overloaded circuits: Too many appliances drawing power at once.
• Faulty appliances: A damaged or malfunctioning device.
• Wiring issues: Damaged or outdated wiring in your home.

If your safety switch is tripping frequently, it’s important to identify the cause to ensure your home remains safe.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fault Finding

Before you begin, ensure your safety:

• Turn off all appliances at the power point.
• Wear rubber-soled shoes and avoid wet areas.
• If you’re unsure or uncomfortable, call a licensed electrician like Level Electrical Port Macquarie.

Step 1: Reset the Safety Switch

1. Locate your switchboard (usually found in the garage, laundry, or hallway).
2. Identify the tripped safety switch (it will be in the "off" position) 
3. Turn the safety switch back to the "on" position.

If it stays on, the issue may have been a temporary overload. If it trips again immediately, proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Unplug All Appliances

1. Unplug every appliance in your home, including small devices like phone chargers and lamps. Likely appliances are toasters, kettles and anything that heats. It is important to unplug them from the power point and not just switch the power point off.
2. Reset the safety switch again.
   
   1. If it stays on, the issue is likely a faulty appliance.
   2. If it trips again, the problem may be with your wiring or the switch itself.

Step 3: Identify the Faulty Appliance

1. Plug in and turn on one appliance at a time.
2. After each appliance, check if the safety switch trips.
3. If the switch trips after plugging in a specific appliance, you’ve found the culprit. Stop using the appliance and have it repaired or replaced.

Step 4: Check Your Wiring (If No Faulty Appliance is Found)

If the safety switch continues to trip even with all appliances unplugged, the issue may be with your home’s wiring. This is where a licensed electrician comes in.

When to Call a Professional

While some issues can be resolved by unplugging faulty appliances, others require the expertise of a licensed electrician. Contact Level Electrical Port Macquarie if:

• The safety switch continues to trip after all appliances are unplugged.
• You notice burning smells, scorch marks, or sparking near power points.
• Your wiring is old or you’re unsure about its condition.
• You don't feel confident in completing the above steps.

Our team is fully equipped to diagnose and repair electrical faults safely and efficiently.

Trust Level Electrical Port Macquarie

At Level Electrical Port Macquarie, your safety is our priority. If you’re experiencing issues with your safety switch or any other electrical problem, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team of experienced electricians is here to provide reliable, professional service to keep your home safe and powered.

Call us today on 02 6581 2967 or book an appointment.

By following these steps, you can often identify the cause of a tripping safety switch and take the necessary steps to resolve it. Remember, when in doubt, always call a professional to ensure your home’s electrical system is safe and functioning correctly.