A circuit breaker trips when the circuit is drawing more current than it is rated for (overload), or when there is a short circuit or ground fault. The most common cause in Australian homes is overloading — too many high-draw appliances on the same circuit. Other causes include a faulty appliance, damaged wiring, or a worn-out circuit breaker. If the breaker trips repeatedly, identify the overloaded circuit, reduce the load, and call a licensed electrician if the problem persists.
What to do right now
- 1
Identify the tripping circuit breaker
Open your switchboard and find the circuit breaker that has tripped — it will be in the middle or off position. Note which circuit it controls (the switchboard should have labels such as 'lights', 'kitchen', 'power').
- 2
Reduce the load on the circuit
Unplug some appliances on that circuit before resetting the breaker. Circuits in Australian homes are typically rated at 16A or 20A. Running a heater, kettle, and toaster on the same circuit can easily overload it.
- 3
Reset the circuit breaker
Push the breaker firmly to the off position, then back to on. If it trips immediately again, the fault is likely a short circuit or faulty appliance rather than a simple overload.
- 4
Call a licensed electrician if it keeps tripping
If the circuit breaker trips repeatedly even with a reduced load, or trips immediately upon resetting, there may be a wiring fault, a short circuit, or the breaker itself may be faulty. A licensed electrician can diagnose the issue safely.
When to call an emergency electrician
- ⚠️The circuit breaker trips immediately upon resetting, even with no appliances connected
- ⚠️The same circuit breaker trips daily or multiple times a week
- ⚠️You notice a burning smell or the breaker is hot to the touch
- ⚠️The circuit breaker will not stay in the on position at all
- ⚠️Multiple circuit breakers trip at the same time
- ⚠️The circuit breaker is visibly damaged, scorched, or melted
How much does it cost?
Diagnosing a tripping circuit breaker in Australia costs $100–$250 for the callout and diagnosis. Replacing a single faulty circuit breaker costs $120–$300 including parts. If the issue is an overloaded circuit that needs splitting into two circuits, expect $400–$1,000 for the additional wiring. A full switchboard upgrade to modern circuit breakers costs $1,200–$3,500. After-hours surcharges of $100–$200 apply for emergency callouts.