A safety switch that keeps tripping is annoying, but it’s doing its job – protecting you from electric shock. The good news: in most Brisbane homes, the cause is a faulty appliance rather than a wiring fault.
The one-at-a-time test
You can usually find the culprit yourself in a few minutes:
- Unplug every appliance on the affected circuit
- Reset the safety switch
- Plug appliances back in one at a time
- The one that trips the switch again is your problem appliance
Kettles, toasters, washing machines and old fridges are the usual suspects. If the switch trips with nothing plugged in, or won’t reset at all, the fault is in the wiring or the switch itself – and that’s when you need a licensed electrician.
When to call us
If the switch won’t reset, trips immediately, or you notice burning smells or warm power points, stop testing and call. Electrolite attends urgent faults across Brisbane’s western suburbs, and our first appointment of the day starts at 7am. Call 0409 610 803.