Just imagine: you’re trimming the hedges in your garden, you’re about halfway there, and – click – your power has tripped. You’re left with a half-trimmed hedge, a hedge trimmer that won’t switch back on, and more than a little frustration.
Power trips are incredibly annoying for any homeowner, particularly if you don’t know what caused them. However, the problem is often far simpler to solve than you might think. Here are some reasons why your power might have tripped, and some steps to follow to get your home back in working order.
What are Some of the Common Causes of Power Trips?
To put it simply, a power trip happens when some element of your electrical switchboard stops working properly. It’s a safety mechanism, where your circuit breakers will ‘trip the switch’ and shut down power automatically as soon as they detect a problem. This stops what might just be a minor issue from developing into something more dangerous.
Some of the most common causes of power trips are:
- Overloaded Circuit: Too many devices or appliances running at the same time can cause your circuit to draw more electricity than it can handle. This causes it to heat up, and the circuit breakers sense this and trip the power before it overheats.
- Short Circuit: If you have a problem in the wiring of your device or appliance, this might cause an unexpected flow of electricity. This could be caused by damaged wires, pets chewing on your electrical cords, or water exposure.
- Earth Leakage Fault: Sometimes, an electrical current finds an alternative path, instead of the one it should take through neutral conductors. These are more dangerous, especially in damp areas like bathrooms, where electricity can be conducted through moisture in the air and cause electric shocks.
What to do if Your Power Trips Constantly
In many cases, power trips are simply caused by overloaded circuits and are relatively easy to resolve yourself. Here’s what you need to do:
- Turn all Appliances off: This will reduce the strain on the circuit and can help to prevent any further trips.
- Turn off the Master Switch: Go to your switchboard and turn off the master switch. This will remove any electrical current from appliances and stop you from getting hurt while you investigate the problem.
- Check the RCD (Residual Current Device) Safety Switch: This will check the safety of your appliances and overall electrical system. If you don’t have one already, get one installed.
- Test: Flip the master switch back on, and see if your circuit is working again as it should. If it isn’t, or if the power immediately trips again, it’s time to call in a professional.
How to Avoid Future Power Trips
Power trips are often a minor issue, for all that they can be irritating, and easily resolved. However, to avoid the constant disruption to your daily routine, and to keep your home as safe as possible, here are some steps you can take to avoid power trips in the future.
- Avoid plugging too many appliances into the same circuit at once.
- Invest in surge protectors to keep your appliances safe from any unexpected increases in electrical currents.
- Get your system inspected on a regular basis (every couple of years or so) to catch any early signs of wear-and-tear, damage, or outdated wiring.
- Upgrade and older wiring, particularly if it’s ceramic or fabric-coated, to avoid fire hazards.
Dealing with frequent power trips and looking for some friendly, professional advice? Just get in touch with the One Point team today.
