Tripping Circuit Breaker
A circuit breaker in the consumer unit keeps tripping, cutting power to part or all of the house.
What Is Causing This?
- 1Faulty appliance causing a short circuit
- 2Overloaded circuit drawing too much current
- 3Damaged wiring or moisture in a junction box
How Urgent Is This?
This needs prompt attention. Delaying could cause further damage, safety risks, or significantly higher repair costs.
What Needs to Be Done
An electrician will isolate the faulty circuit, test each appliance and section of wiring to find the fault, and repair or replace the damaged component.
How Much Will It Cost?
National average estimate
Labour: £512 – £1,090 | Materials: £144 – £450
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Prices are estimates based on typical UK rates. Actual costs depend on the specific issue, accessibility, and your location. All quotes from tradespeople on Tradesfolk are completely free.
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Ask a QuestionPlanning Permission Guidance
Some fixes for this problem may require planning permission or building regulations approval. Check if your project needs permission:
How to Prevent This
Avoid plugging too many high-draw appliances into one circuit. Replace old or damaged appliances. Have your consumer unit upgraded if it still uses rewirable fuses.
Related Problems
Lights flicker, dim, or flash intermittently, sometimes across multiple rooms.
One or more plug sockets have no power, even though the rest of the room works fine.
A smell of burning plastic or scorching coming from a socket, sometimes with visible discolouration.
Other Electrician Problems
Lights flicker, dim, or flash intermittently, sometimes across multiple rooms.
One or more plug sockets have no power, even though the rest of the room works fine.
A smell of burning plastic or scorching coming from a socket, sometimes with visible discolouration.
An audible buzzing or humming noise coming from a light switch when the light is on.