Tripped Circuit Breakers & Safety Switches: What to Do Next

Written By Ben Keene

At KEENSPARK Electrical, one of the most common calls we get is, "Our safety switch has tripped. Can you come and check it, please?" While we're always happy to help, there are a few simple steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue before giving us a call.

Step 1: Understand Your Safety Switch Setup

Most homes will have one of two types of safety switch installations:

  1. Type 1: Individual safety switches protecting each circuit.

  2. Type 2: One or two safety switches protecting multiple circuits.

Type 1: Individual Safety Switches

If your safety switch trips, follow these steps:

  1. Unplug Everything
    Go through every room and unplug all electrical appliances connected to the tripped circuit (don’t just switch them off at the power point).
    Common culprits include:

    • Kettles

    • Dishwashers

    • Washing machines

    • Dryers

    • Fridges

    • Tank pumps

    • Underfloor fans

    Pro Tip: Don’t forget to check overlooked appliances like rangehoods, insinkerators, or gas cooktop igniters.

  2. Reset the Safety Switch
    Once you're sure everything is unplugged, reset the safety switch. If it trips again, double-check that no appliances have been missed.

    Important: Newer safety switches may need to be clicked all the way off before they can be switched back on.

  3. Check for Faults
    If the safety switch stays on after resetting, great! Now plug your appliances back in one at a time. The circuit will trip when the faulty appliance is reconnected, revealing the culprit.

  4. Call a Licensed Electrician if Necessary
    If the safety switch won’t reset, or if you hear a pop or see a flash when attempting to reset it, stop immediately and call a licensed electrician. These signs indicate a serious fault that could pose a safety hazard.

Type 2: Shared Safety Switches

When one safety switch protects multiple circuits, the process is slightly different:

  1. Turn Off All Circuit Breakers
    In your switchboard, turn off all the circuit breakers protected by the tripped safety switch.

  2. Reset the Safety Switch
    Try resetting the safety switch. If it stays on, turn the circuit breakers back on one at a time.

  3. Identify the Problem Circuit
    When the safety switch trips again, you’ve identified the circuit with the fault.

  4. Unplug Everything on the Faulty Circuit
    Go room by room and unplug all appliances on that circuit (not just switching them off). Once everything is unplugged, try resetting the safety switch again.

  5. Test Appliances One by One
    If the switch stays on, plug your appliances back in one at a time to pinpoint the faulty device.

  6. Call for Help if Needed
    If the safety switch trips immediately or shows signs of a severe fault (like a pop or flash), don’t attempt further resets. Call a licensed electrician for assistance.

Why Safety Switches Trip

Remember, safety switches trip for a reason—they're designed to protect you from potential electrical hazards. Ignoring or bypassing the problem can lead to serious risks, including fires or electrical shocks.

Quick Summary

  1. Unplug EVERYTHING before resetting the safety switch.

  2. If it trips with a pop or flash, STOP and call a licensed electrician at 0432 145 674.

  3. If the circuit stays on, plug appliances back in one by one to find the faulty device.

Need Help?
If you're unable to resolve the issue or suspect a wiring fault, don’t hesitate to contact KEENSPARK Electrical. Our team is here to ensure your home is safe and your power is restored quickly.

Ben Keene