Why Your Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping in Melbourne (and How to Fix It)
If your circuit breaker keeps tripping, you're not alone. It’s one of the top three reasons we get called out, especially in older Melbourne homes around Surrey Hills, Doncaster, Blackburn, and Box Hill. These homes often have ageing electrical systems that just weren’t built for modern life. You plug in the heater, turn on the kettle, and suddenly the whole house goes dark.
Most of these places still run on a single safety switch, which means when there’s an overload, everything shuts off. Not just one room.
At AJD Electrical Solutions, we help bring these systems into the modern age. In this blog, we’ll walk you through why your power keeps cutting out and what you can do about it before it turns into something more serious.
What Is Power Tripping (and Why Does It Keep Happening)?
Power tripping is when your electricity suddenly shuts off to protect your home from electrical dangers like overheating, fires, or damaged appliances. It usually happens because of:
Overloads
Short circuits
Earth leakages
When one of these issues shows up, your circuit breaker "trips" to stop the power flowing.
Let’s break down the key safety devices in your switchboard:
Circuit breakers – These trip when there’s too much current from an overload or short circuit.
RCDs (Residual Current Devices) – Also called safety switches. They cut the power when electricity leaks from the intended circuit, like from water damage or faulty wiring.
RCBOs – These combine both functions. They trip from overloads and earth leakages. More on this below
Top 5 Reasons Your Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping in Melbourne Homes
Here’s what’s likely going on behind the scenes:
1. Circuit Overload
Older homes usually have just one circuit powering the whole house. Plug in a few big-ticket appliances like heaters, hot water systems, or microwaves and the system gets overwhelmed. That’s when the circuit trips to prevent overheating or a fire.
2. Short Circuits
This happens when electricity takes a shortcut, usually through damaged or exposed wiring. It could be caused by crumbling insulation, old cables, or even rodent damage. Water leaks are another common cause, especially after heavy Melbourne rain.
3. Ground Faults and Safety Switch Activation
If water gets into your power points or your insulation breaks down, electricity can leak into the ground. That’s when your RCD cuts the power. We see this a lot in homes with outdoor outlets, especially during stormy weather in places like Doncaster or Burwood East.
4. Faulty Appliances
Old or malfunctioning appliances can start drawing more power than they should or behave erratically. Your circuit breaker sees this as a risk and trips before it gets worse.
5. Aging Wiring and Loose Connections
Many Melbourne homes, especially those built before the 1980s, still have rubber or PVC insulation. Over time, that breaks down. Add in some dodgy past repairs or loose connections, and it's no surprise your power keeps tripping. This isn’t just frustrating. It’s a safety risk. Here’s our detailed blog on old electrical wiring and its impact on your home’s safety.
Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
If you notice any of these, stop trying to reset your switchboard and call a licensed electrician right away:
A burning smell near your switchboard or power points
Buzzing or crackling sounds from switches or outlets
Lights flickering or dimming on their own
Circuit breaker tripping again and again, even after reset
Appliances that spark or feel hot when plugged in
These are signs of serious electrical faults that can lead to shock or fire.
What to Do When the Power Trips
Here’s a quick DIY guide for what to try if your circuit breaker or safety switch trips, but only if it’s safe to do so.
Step-by-Step Guide
Unplug all your appliances.
Check the switchboard for a tripped breaker or safety switch
Push the switch fully off, then back on
If it trips again straight away, stop there and call us.
If it stays on, plug in one appliance at a time.
If the power trips when you plug something in, that device is likely the issue. Leave it unplugged.
When to Avoid DIY
Don’t try to reset anything if:
You hear buzzing from the switchboard
You smell burning or see smoke
It keeps tripping over and over
These signs point to a serious issue that needs a licensed electrician.
How We Fix and Prevent Power Tripping in Melbourne Homes
Whether you're in Box Hill North, Surrey Hills, or Doncaster, we've helped hundreds of local homeowners stop power tripping for good. Here's how we make your electrical system safer, smarter, and ready for modern demands.
Upgrade to Individual RCBOs
Most older homes still rely on a single safety switch. We recommend upgrading to individual RCBOs — one for each circuit. That way, if your bathroom has a fault, only that circuit shuts off. Your fridge and lights keep running, and you avoid a full-house blackout.
Add Dedicated Circuits for High-Use Appliances
Ovens, air conditioners, hot water systems, and even large heaters should all be on their own circuit. This spreads out the load and keeps your breaker from tripping every time multiple devices are used at once.
Modern Switchboard Upgrades
Old switchboards weren’t built for today’s power-hungry homes. We replace outdated panels with modern, compliant switchboards that meet current safety standards and insurance requirements — and add value to your property too.
Need a switchboard upgrade? Get in touch with our team.
Spot the difference?
On the left: an outdated switchboard with limited protection.
On the right: a modern switchboard fitted with RCBOs for improved safety and reliability.
Simple Ways to Prevent Future Tripping
Want to avoid the stress of surprise power cuts? Here are a few things you can do right now:
Spread heavy appliances across different rooms or circuits
Don’t run high-wattage items like heaters and kettles at the same time
Avoid overloading power boards and extension leads
Replace older appliances that draw irregular or excess power
Schedule regular electrical inspections (especially in homes over 30 years old)
Upgrade your switchboard and wiring before problems start
Prevention is always safer (and cheaper) than emergency repairs.
Suburbs We Service
We proudly serve Melbourne’s eastern suburbs and specialise in older homes, units, and apartments with shared circuits:
Why Locals Trust AJD Electrical Solutions
Over 10 years of experience
Fully licensed and insured
Top-rated electrician in Melbourne
Friendly, local electricians you can count on
24/7 emergency service
Honest quotes and fair pricing
Final Thoughts: Don’t Ignore Frequent Tripping
If your power keeps cutting out, it’s usually a sign of a bigger problem. It could be aged wiring, overloaded circuits, or even faulty appliances. All of these can lead to serious safety risks.
If you're in Box Hill North or one of the nearby suburbs, give us a call. We’re here to help you get things sorted quickly and safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Older homes in areas like Surrey Hills often have outdated outdoor outlets and old switchboards. When it rains, moisture can get in and cause ground faults. That’s when the safety switch trips.
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Usually, yes, as long as there’s no buzzing, smoke, or burning smell. If it keeps tripping, it’s best to get it checked before it turns into a bigger problem.
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No, and in Victoria, it's illegal to do your own electrical work. It also voids your insurance and can be extremely dangerous. Always use a licensed electrician.
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That depends on how many circuits you need, if any rewiring is required, and the overall condition of your setup. Give us a call and we’ll give you a free, no-pressure quote.
Don’t wait for warning signs. Let’s make sure your home’s safe and up to standard.
Call today, we’re happy to help.