Have you ever been halfway through cooking dinner or watching your favourite show when suddenly—the lights go out? If your power keeps tripping, it’s not just inconvenient, it’s also a warning sign that something may be wrong with your electrical system.
At Central Coast Electrician Services, we’ve seen it all—faulty appliances, overloaded circuits, worn-out switchboards, and more. With over a decade of experience helping local families and businesses, we know how frustrating and even dangerous electrical issues can be.
In this article, we’ll explain why your power keeps tripping, outline the 8 most common causes, and share when it’s time to call in a professional. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of what’s happening in your home or workplace—and the steps you can take to stay safe.
Understanding the Problem
When your power keeps tripping, it usually means your safety switch (RCD) or circuit breaker has detected a fault. These devices are designed to protect you by automatically cutting off electricity when something goes wrong.
In simple terms, it’s your electrical system’s way of saying:
- “There’s too much power running through this circuit.”
- “A fault has been detected, and it could be unsafe.”
- “Your switchboard or wiring may need attention.”
While it might be tempting to just flick the switch back on and ignore it, repeated tripping signals an underlying issue that shouldn’t be overlooked.
8 Common Causes of Power Tripping
Here are the most frequent reasons we find when a customer calls and says, “My power keeps tripping.”
- Overloaded Circuits
Plugging too many appliances into one circuit (for example, heaters, microwaves, or kettles) can exceed its safe load. - Faulty Appliances
Old or damaged appliances can leak current or short-circuit, causing the breaker to trip immediately. - Damaged Wiring
Cracked, frayed, or worn-out wires increase the risk of short circuits and fire hazards. - Water or Moisture Ingress
Outdoor power points, garden lighting, or poorly sealed connections may trip when exposed to rain or damp conditions. - Defective Switchboards
Older switchboards without modern circuit breakers or safety switches often fail under today’s electrical demands. - Short Circuits
When a live wire touches a neutral wire, it creates a sudden surge, instantly tripping your breaker. - Faulty Safety Switch (RCD)
Sometimes the safety device itself becomes faulty, tripping without cause. - Heavy-Duty Appliances Starting Up
Air conditioners, hot water units, and refrigerators can draw large amounts of current at startup, triggering a trip if circuits aren’t designed correctly.
Professional Advice & Solutions
If your power keeps tripping, here’s what you can do before calling an electrician:
- Unplug appliances one by one to see if the fault lies in a specific device.
- Avoid overloading power boards or double adapters. Spread usage across different circuits.
- Check for visible damage in cords or sockets. Replace worn-out plugs.
- Test outdoor outlets after rain—moisture could be the culprit.
But remember: never attempt DIY electrical repairs. Handling wiring, switchboards, or circuit breakers without the proper training can be dangerous.
At Central Coast Electrician Services, our team provides:
- Electrical fault finding & repairs
- Switchboard inspections and upgrades
- Safety switch (RCD) installation & testing
- Surge protection & wiring checks
We work quickly, safely, and with minimal disruption—restoring your power while ensuring your home or business remains compliant.
Why Hire a Licensed Electrician
When your power keeps tripping, it’s more than just an inconvenience—it could be a sign of a serious safety risk. A licensed electrician has the tools and training to identify the exact cause, whether it’s faulty wiring, an overloaded switchboard, or a dangerous appliance.
Choosing experienced local electricians means:
- Compliance with Australian safety standards
- Reliable, long-term solutions
- Peace of mind knowing your family and property are protected
Want to know more about our background and values? Visit our about our team page.
Costs & Timeframes
The cost of fixing power tripping depends on the cause:
- Simple appliance issue: Often free to fix once identified.
- Safety switch replacement: $150–$250 on average.
- Switchboard upgrade: $800–$2,000 depending on complexity.
- Rewiring damaged circuits: Varies by property size.
Most minor issues can be resolved in 1–2 hours, while larger jobs like rewiring may take a full day or more.
Areas We Service
Our team proudly services homes and businesses across the Central Coast, including:
- Gosford
- The Entrance
- Wyong
- Long Jetty
- Tuggerah
- Terrigal
- Woy Woy
- Lake Haven
- Avoca Beach
- Erina
- Umina Beach
- Kincumber
- Bateau Bay
- Toukley
- Newcastle
Wherever you are, our trusted local electricians are just around the corner.
FAQs
1. Why does my power trip every time it rains?
Moisture may be entering outdoor power points or lighting systems, causing a fault. A licensed electrician should inspect and seal connections.
2. Can I just reset the switch and ignore it?
No. Repeated tripping means there’s an ongoing issue. Ignoring it can put your safety at risk.
3. Is it dangerous if my power keeps tripping?
Yes. Tripping often signals faulty wiring, appliances, or overloaded circuits—all of which could pose fire or electrocution risks.
4. How do I know if my switchboard needs an upgrade?
If it’s old, has ceramic fuses, or trips frequently, it likely needs upgrading to meet modern safety standards.
5. Can a faulty appliance cause all the power to go out?
Yes. One faulty device plugged into the wrong circuit can trigger the safety switch and cut off power.
Book Your Local Electrician Today
Don’t put your home or business at risk. If your power keeps tripping, the safest solution is to call in the experts.
At Central Coast Electrician Services, we provide fast, reliable, and affordable fault-finding and electrical repairs across the Central Coast. From emergency call-outs to scheduled upgrades, we’ve got you covered.
👉 Contact us today for a free quote or book your local electrician now.
Learn more about our services and trusted reputation on our Central Coast electricians homepage.