It’s happened to everyone at one time or another: you’re midway through your dinner and suddenly the lights go out, or midway through a bake, your oven stops working. You reset the breaker and everything’s back to normal. But if this happens regularly, you may have a more complicated problem on your hands.
A licensed electrician can test the affected circuit, identify whether the problem is an overload, earth fault, damaged wiring or faulty appliance, and determine the appropriate repair.
An Overloaded Circuit
Too many high-powered appliances plugged into one circuit can cause a breaker to trip; this is particularly common in older homes designed for a simpler time with fewer electrical appliances. Older switchboards and electrical components may also have deteriorated over time.
What to Check
First, check whether your switchboard shows any signs of damage or deterioration – look for scorch marks, discolouration in the casing or melting plastic around switches. Listen for any popping, clicking or buzzing. A properly functioning switchboard should not be making unusual noises.
Never remove the front panel yourself; just do a visual and listening check for any obvious signs that something’s not right.
Try to understand which appliances are triggering the problem, and check whether it’s only one high-load appliance or when several appliances are running at the same time. If several high-powered appliances are operating at once, switch off or unplug non-essential appliances and see whether the problem stops. Don’t use extension leads or power boards to work around a circuit that repeatedly trips.
Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs have many established neighbourhoods with older housing, from terrace homes in Paddington to Federation-era properties around Randwick and Woollahra. Some of these homes may have electrical systems or switchboards that have been upgraded over the years, while others may still have older components that need assessment.
If repeated tripping is happening in an older property, call a local electrician who is familiar with the types of homes in the area. Wiring behind the walls may be decades old or may have been altered during previous renovations, which can introduce its own electrical issues. For homes in Paddington, Randwick and nearby suburbs, an electrician in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs will be familiar with many of the established properties found in the area. In suburbs such as Balmain, Rozelle, Leichhardt and surrounding areas, a local Inner West electrician will likewise be familiar with the older terraces and established homes found across Sydney’s Inner West.
When to Call an Electrician
If you’ve seen no evidence of wear on the switchboard and reduced the load on the circuit but the circuit continues tripping, call in a professional. An electrician will inspect the electrical panel, test the current load, and determine whether the circuit, breaker, switchboard or another part of the system needs repair or upgrading.
A Faulty Appliance
If you notice that the power trips when you use one particular appliance, there may be a fault within the appliance that is causing a safety switch or circuit breaker to trip.
What to Check
If the power trips whenever you use one particular appliance, stop using it and unplug it. If the problem disappears when the appliance is disconnected, it may be faulty and should be inspected or repaired by a qualified professional.
If the appliance only causes problems on a particular circuit, an electrician can test both the appliance load and the circuit to determine where the fault lies. Don’t try to open or repair the appliance yourself.
When to Call a Professional
If you suspect the fault lies in the appliance, then it needs to be professionally repaired; call an electrician if you think it’s the circuit that’s having trouble with the appliance, rather than the appliance itself.
If it’s a faulty hot water system, an electrician can also test the electrical components, circuit and power supply to identify the cause of the fault.
Power Points or Light Fittings
If you’ve ever noticed a buzzing or crackling sound when you turn on a light or connect an appliance to a power point, this may be a sign that there’s a fault with a light fitting or a power point.
Warning Signs
If you notice any of the following, stop using the affected fitting or power point and arrange for an electrician to inspect it. Electrical fittings should not be opened or repaired as a DIY job:
- buzzing
- crackling
- heat
- discolouration
- burning smells
- intermittent power
Electrical Faults Behind the Walls
Sometimes you’ll check everything from appliances to plugs and fittings, switchboards and breakers and find there’s nothing obvious causing repeated tripping.
All the below could be responsible for persistent tripping:
- deteriorating wiring
- loose connections
- damaged cables
- moisture
- faults introduced during previous renovations
When the cause isn’t obvious, professional electrical fault finding can help pinpoint where the problem is occurring.
This diagnostic service is particularly useful for established homes in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, where older wiring may sit alongside electrical work completed during different stages of renovations or extensions. What appears to be a simple tripping breaker can sometimes be caused by a fault hidden behind walls, ceilings or other parts of the electrical system.
Water, Moisture and Storm Damage
Homeowners in Sydney are no strangers to heavy rain, coastal weather and summer storms. In some Eastern Suburbs properties, moisture may enter outdoor fittings, damaged wiring, roof spaces or other electrical components following severe weather or water leaks.
If you suspect your electrical tripping is due to water or moisture, it’s important to call in a professional – water and electricity can be a deadly combination, so the affected electrical system should not be handled or tested as a DIY job.
Electrical Warning Signs That Need Urgent Attention
Ultimately, electricity is not to be messed around with. Call your electrician promptly if you notice burning smells, sparks, persistent buzzing or crackling, exposed wiring or repeated unexplained tripping.
If anyone has received an electric shock, there is smoke or fire, or there is an immediate electrical danger, keep clear of the affected area and treat the situation as an emergency.
When to Call a Local Electrician
If your power keeps tripping and you’ve ruled out a single appliance or obvious overload, don’t keep resetting the breaker. Persistent trips can indicate a fault that needs professional testing.
For Sydney homeowners, particularly those in older Eastern Suburbs properties, identifying the cause early can help prevent a recurring electrical fault from becoming a larger problem. A licensed electrician can test the affected circuits, switchboard and connected equipment and recommend the appropriate repair based on what they find.
