Breaker keeps tripping: what it may mean and what to do
A breaker that keeps tripping is doing its job: it cuts the power because something in the circuit is not right. The possibilities range from too many appliances on one circuit to a faulty appliance or damaged wiring. It needs investigating, not bypassing. Please do not keep switching it back on and do not open the electrical board. Note what happened, and ask a qualified electrician to look.
How this usually shows up
- Power to part of the property, or all of it, cuts out repeatedly
- It trips when one particular appliance is used
- It trips in damp or wet weather
- A breaker that will not stay on
- Buzzing, warmth or a burning smell from the board or a socket
What may be happening
These are possibilities, not a diagnosis. Someone needs to see the problem to know which applies.
- Too many appliances on one circuit
- Several heavy appliances running together can draw more than the circuit is designed to carry.
- A faulty appliance
- An appliance with a fault, such as a water heater, cooker, washing machine or pump, can make its circuit trip.
- Damaged or worn wiring, sockets or fittings
- Damage, wear or overheating in the installation can let current leak or short.
- Moisture
- Damp in a socket, light fitting, outdoor point or wall can make the protection trip, particularly in wet weather or after a leak.
- An ageing installation
- Older installations may struggle with modern loads or may have deteriorated over time.
- A faulty protective device
- It is possible, but it should never be assumed, and only a qualified electrician should deal with it.
What you can safely check
- Note which part of the property lost power: one room, one circuit or everything.
- Note what was running when it tripped, for example a kettle, water heater, air conditioner or pump, and whether it is the same one every time.
- Note when it happens: as soon as it is switched back on, after a few minutes, or only in wet weather.
- Look, without touching, for anything unusual around sockets and the board: discolouration, scorch marks, damage, moisture, buzzing or heat.
- Leave any appliance you suspect switched off, and do not use it again until it has been checked.
- Take a photo of the front of the board, without opening it, and of anything unusual you can see from outside.
- Do not keep switching the breaker back on.
- Do not remove the cover of the electrical board or of any socket, and do not touch wiring.
- Do not replace the breaker or fit a larger one, and do not bypass it or tape it in place.
- Do not test exposed electrical parts, or try to work around the problem with extension leads or adapters.
- Do not touch anything electrical with wet hands or while standing in water.
When to get professional help
- It trips more than once, or straight away when switched on.
- You notice a burning smell, smoke, sparking, scorch marks, a hot socket or board, or buzzing. Keep clear and call 112 if there is any danger.
- There is water near sockets, switches, lights or the board.
- Only one circuit or appliance is affected and you cannot tell why.
- The installation is old, or has had work done recently.
How BB Cyprus can help
Send BB Cyprus a request with what you have noticed: where, when and with which appliance. Electrical faults are one of the areas we deal with. We review it, phone you back and tell you the appropriate next step. You get a written quote before any work starts.
BB Cyprus, also known as Bits&Bobs Cyprus, handles home repairs and property maintenance in Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca. You do not need to know which trade you need.
Related problems
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Every property is different, and electrical, refrigerant and pressurised-system work should be done by a qualified professional.