A tripped breaker is annoying, but it's actually your electrical system protecting you from a bigger problem. Here are the most common causes.
1. Overloaded circuit
Running too many high-draw appliances (air-con, water heater, iron) on the same circuit at once is the most common cause. Spread heavy appliances across different circuits where possible.
2. Faulty appliance
A damaged appliance or cord can cause a short circuit the moment it's switched on. Unplug recently used appliances and test one at a time to isolate the culprit.
3. Earth leakage
If your RCCB trips (rather than a regular MCB), it usually means current is leaking somewhere — often due to moisture, a damaged cable, or a faulty appliance.
4. Ageing or damaged wiring
Insulation breakdown in old wiring can cause intermittent trips that are hard to pin down without a professional inspection.
5. A genuinely faulty breaker
Breakers do wear out. If a circuit trips with no clear cause and no load issue, the breaker itself may need replacement.
When to call an electrician
If trips are frequent, happen with no obvious cause, or you notice heat, smell or discolouration at the DB box, stop resetting it repeatedly and get a licensed electrician to diagnose the root cause.