Safety Switch Keeps Tripping - What To Do
If your RCD (Safety Switch) trips, it's doing its job: protecting you from a potentially fatal electric shock. Finding the cause requires a process of elimination.
Important Safety Warning
If the switch trips with NOTHING plugged in, do not force it. You have a wiring fault. Call an electrician immediately.
Common Signs & Symptoms
- Power cuts out to power points but lights stay on (or vice versa)
- Switch won't stay in the 'ON' position
- Trips immediately after rain or storm
- Trips when a specific appliance is turned on
Potential Causes
Why is this happening? Here are the most common reasons we see in WA homes:
- Faulty appliance (Kettle, Toaster, Fridge)
- Moisture in outdoor power points
- Overloaded circuit (too many heaters/ACs)
- Rodent damage to wiring in roof/walls
Troubleshooting Steps (DIY Safe)
- 1Unplug ALL appliances in the house (don't just turn them off).
- 2Try to reset the safety switch. If it stays on, the wiring is likely fine.
- 3Plug appliances back in one by one.
- 4If the switch trips when you plug in a specific item (e.g., the toaster), that appliance is the fault.
DIY vs Professional
In Western Australia, it is illegal to perform your own electrical work. While you can change a lightbulb or reset a switch, anything involving wiring or removing fittings must be done by a licensed electrician.
How we can help
If you haven't been able to resolve the issue with the steps above, it's time to call in the experts. Sparky Local carries the necessary diagnostic tools to identify the root cause quickly and safely.
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