My safety switch keeps going off – is it an appliance causing the fault?
It is essential that our homes are safe for ourselves, our children and our visitors. When a safety switch continually trips off after being reset, it could indicate that there is a faulty appliance, a fault in the wiring or it may just be an issue with the switch itself. There are a few simple steps you can take yourself to help determine the problem.
Firstly, unplug all appliances from the power point then turn the safety switch back on. If the switch stays on, it is likely that the problem is a faulty appliance. If the switch turns off again, the problem is either with the switch or possibly wiring leaking power to earth. In either case an electrician should be consulted to determine the problem and repair or replace the wiring or switch. If the switch stayed on, plugging the appliances back in one at a time should help you locate the appliance which is causing the switch to go off. Start with the appliances that were running or being used at the time the switch tripped. Always use caution when dealing with possible faulty appliances and if in doubt contact an electrician.
If you are unable to identify the problem yourself, contact an electrician for advice.