What to Do If a Fuse Keeps Tripping (UK Step by Step Guide)
- Tom Clarkson
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Quick Safety Checklist
Keep hands dry
Stand on a dry surface
Use a torch if power is off
Never remove consumer unit covers
Step 1: Stay calm and don’t force it
If a fuse or circuit breaker trips, it’s doing its job protecting you from overloads, faults, or electric shock risks. Do not repeatedly force it back on without checking first.
Step 2: Identify what has tripped
Open your consumer unit (fuse box) and look for:
MCB (circuit breaker) – usually one switch flipped down
RCD – a wider switch that controls multiple circuits
RCBO – looks like an MCB but only affects one circuit
Most modern UK homes use breakers rather than old wire fuses.
Step 3: Unplug appliances on the affected circuit
Before resetting anything:
Unplug all appliances on that circuit
Common culprits: kettles, toasters, washing machines, tumble dryers, heaters
Turn off any fixed appliances (cookers, showers) if possible
This removes the load and helps identify the problem.
Step 4: Reset the breaker or RCD
Push the tripped switch fully to OFF, then back to ON
If it stays on → move to Step 5
If it immediately trips again → skip to Step 7
Step 5: Plug appliances back in one by one
Reconnect items one at a time, waiting 30–60 seconds between each.
If the fuse trips when a specific appliance is plugged in:
That appliance is likely faulty
Stop using it immediately
💡 Tip: Kettles, heaters, and white goods are the most common causes.
Step 6: Consider overload vs fault
Ask yourself:
Were multiple high-power appliances running together?
Did it trip when turning something on?
Does it only happen at certain times?
Overload
✔ Too many appliances on one circuit
✔ Often fixed by spreading loads or upgrading circuits
Fault
❌ Damaged appliance
❌ Faulty socket
❌ Wiring issue
❌ Moisture ingress (outdoor sockets, garages, bathrooms)
Step 7: If the RCD keeps tripping
RCDs are very sensitive and trip when they detect a leakage of electricity to earth.
Common causes:
Faulty appliances
Water getting into sockets or outdoor electrics
Garden equipment
Bathroom or kitchen issues
If the RCD won’t reset even with everything unplugged, this usually means:⚠️ A wiring fault = electrician required
Step 8: Do not ignore repeated tripping
Repeated tripping is a warning sign. Ignoring it can lead to:
Electric shock risk
Appliance damage
Fire hazard
❌ Never wedge a breaker on
❌ Never replace fuses with higher ratings
❌ Never dismantle the consumer unit yourself
Step 9: Call a qualified electrician if:
✔ The breaker won’t reset
✔ The same circuit trips repeatedly
✔ You smell burning or see scorch marks
✔ Sockets feel warm
✔ Lights flicker or dim before tripping
A registered electrician can safely test:
The circuit
Insulation resistance
Appliance faults
RCD performance
Final Thought
A tripping fuse is not a nuisance, it’s protection. The key is identifying whether it’s a simple appliance issue or something deeper that needs professional attention.
Need help with your fuse board? Contact our qualified team of electricians:
01733 601698
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