Why Does My Circuit Breaker Keep Tripping?

6 Common Reasons + What You Can Do

If your power keeps cutting out unexpectedly, your switchboard is likely doing its job — cutting the power before things get dangerous. But repeated tripping is a clear sign that something’s not right.

In this post, we’ll break down the most common reasons breakers trip, the types of devices you’ll find in a modern NZ switchboard, and what to do when it happens.

🔌 What’s Inside Your Switchboard?

New Zealand homes typically use:

• MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers) – trip when there’s an overload or short circuit.

• RCDs (Residual Current Devices) – trip when electricity leaks to earth, usually due to water or faulty appliances.

These devices are designed to protect you from fire, shock, or damage — but if they’re tripping often, don’t ignore it.

⚠️ 6 Reasons Your Breaker Might Be Tripping

1. Circuit Overload

Too many appliances running on one circuit draws more current than it’s designed for.

Common signs:

• Power trips when you turn on the kettle, heater, or dryer

• Happens more during winter or when using multiple high-draw items

Solution:Spread appliances across outlets in different rooms, or have us install an extra circuit.

2. Short Circuit

This happens when live and neutral wires touch or when an appliance fails internally.

Warning signs:

• Sudden tripping

• Burnt smell or charring at a switch or outlet

Solution:Unplug the last thing you used. If it’s a hardwired issue, switch off the main power and call us.

3. Earth Leakage Fault

When electricity escapes to ground — often due to wet conditions or faulty gear — your RCD will trip.

Common areas:

• Bathrooms, laundries, kitchens

• Outdoor power points or lighting

Solution:Unplug all appliances from the affected area. If the RCD resets, one of them is faulty. If not, you’ll need a professional.

4. Moisture in Outdoor Gear

Water can get into outside lights, isolators, or switches — especially after rain or water blasting.

What happens:

• Moisture causes current to leak to earth, triggering the RCD

Solution:Wet fittings usually need replacing. We can inspect and confirm what’s salvageable.

5. Loose Wiring or Bad Connections

A loose connection can cause intermittent faults or overheat over time — potentially dangerous.

Clues:

• Tripping comes and goes

• Lights flicker or feel warm to the touch

Solution:These faults can escalate quickly. Book a safety inspection with our team.

6. Old or Undersized Protection

Older switchboards weren’t built for today’s appliance loads. Some components might be simply past their use-by date.

Signs:

• Frequent nuisance tripping

• No RCDs installed at all

Solution:Consider upgrading your switchboard to meet current safety standards.

✅ What to Do When a Breaker Trips

1. Unplug all appliances on the affected circuit

2. Reset the tripped breaker at your switchboard

3. Plug items back in one by one

   • Stays on? Problem solved — one appliance is likely faulty

   • Trips immediately? Call us — likely a wiring or leakage issue

   • Trips again later? Could be an overload or low-level leakage

Important: Never reset a breaker more than 3–4 times. You risk damaging it — and putting your safety at risk.

🛠 Need Help?

If you’re unsure what’s causing the issue — or your breakers keep tripping no matter what you do — get in touch with Infinite Power and Lighting.

We offer:

• Fast troubleshooting across West Auckland

• Modern switchboard upgrades

• Same-day callouts when needed

🔌 Call us today on 021 104 8114💻 Or email us at admin@infinitepower.co.nz 

Your safety comes first — let’s get your power sorted.