🕑 11 minutes read
A-London-homeowner-is-switching-the-fuse-ON-in-the-fuse-box

At some point, all London homeowners and landlords will likely encounter the frustrating power cut-off of a tripped fuse. For many, the first instinct might be to call an electrician immediately.

But what if there was a simple fix you could perform safely and swiftly?

This guide will explain to you how to identify and reset a tripped fuse. By the end, you'll be equipped to handle this common electrical issue on your own, saving you time and money while enhancing home safety.

Well, Before we jump into the nitty-gritty, it's important to understand the difference between a fuse and a breaker in the first place.

What Is The Difference Between a Fuse And a Breaker?

Fuse

13 Amp, 3 Amp and 5 Amp fuses in the UK

13 Amp, 3 Amp and 5 Amp fuses in the UK

Breaker

NXB-125 Moulded Case Circuit Breaker

NXB-125 Moulded Case Circuit Breaker

The main difference is that fuses can't be used again, but breakers can be used many times. Breakers shield homes and devices from overloading and short-circuiting, while fuses only protect against overloading.

Both fuses and breakers stop the electricity flow, but they work differently. A fuse melts metal when it gets too hot, while a breaker switches off when there's too much electricity.

What Causes a Tripped Circuit Breaker?

The main reason a circuit breaker trips is when there's too much electricity (power surge), overloading the circuit because of too many lights, devices, or appliances using the same circuit.

Sometimes, an overload can heat up the wiring in the circuit a lot, and that heat could start a fire.
A breaker has tripped in a London home

The main breaker is on the right side, and the other breaker is on the left side.

What Causes a Fuse To Trip or Blow?

A fuse box in a London home Overloaded Circuit

Fuses can trip or blow if you're using more electricity than the circuit can handle. This happens when you plug in too many devices or appliances at once, putting a strain on the electrical system.

Simultaneous Appliance Use A toaster and a kettle in on a pantry

Running too many appliances at the same time can overwhelm the circuit, causing the fuse to trip. This often occurs when multiple high-power devices operate simultaneously, drawing more electricity than the circuit can safely handle.

Faulty Appliances A faulty toaster is on fire

A defective or misused appliance can also lead to a blown fuse. If an appliance has a short circuit or a malfunctioning component, it can cause a surge of electricity that exceeds the capacity of the fuse, resulting in a trip.

Overfilled Kettles and Dirty Toasters A dirty toaster has rust to be cleaned.

Overfilling kettles or having dirty toasters can create electrical problems. When water or crumbs touch electrical parts, they lead to a short circuit, resulting in a blown fuse.

Worn-out Cooker Rings Worn-out-cooker-rings-a-kitchen

Worn-out or cracked cooker rings can cause electrical faults that trip the fuse. Over time, the heating elements in cookers can deteriorate, leading to increased resistance and potential overheating.

Faulty Immersion Heaters A faulty immersion heater

Faulty immersion heaters can also trip fuses. If the heating element becomes damaged or the thermostat malfunctions, the circuit can overload, causing the fuse to blow.

Faulty Appliance Connections There are faulty electric plugs with dirty and worn cables coming out of the wall.

Faulty connections on appliance leads, such as those for TVs or stereos, can result in electrical issues. Loose or damaged connections can create resistance in the circuit, leading to overheating and fuse failure.

Frequent Light Bulb Blowouts An-image-of-a-blown-out-light-bulb

If light bulbs frequently blow out, it could indicate an underlying electrical problem. This could be due to issues such as voltage fluctuations, poor wiring, or incompatible bulbs, all of which can cause fuses to trip or blow.


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What If My Fuse Box Keeps Tripping?

Uh-oh! Lights out? Sockets dead? Fuse box acting up again?
We understand your frustration! It's common for breakers to trip or fuses to blow occasionally, but if this happens frequently, there might be a larger problem at hand.

Fuses play a crucial role in electrical circuits, ensuring our safety. When a fuse trips, it's a warning sign that something might be wrong with an appliance or wiring in your home.

An electrician is repairing the fuse box at  London home

If you've followed the steps above and still can't figure out why your fuse keeps tripping or if it happens repeatedly, the problem might lie with the fuse box itself.

The fuse starts to break the circuit when the current is too high, preventing electrical damage and fires.

If a breaker switch in your fuse box is flipped off, it's likely due to an overloaded circuit or a faulty appliance.

You can usually pinpoint the problem by elimination. If the problem persists, don't hesitate to contact Serviceteam Professional Electricians in London for a reliable service.

How To Fix an Electrical Issue At Home?

Here are some steps to help you troubleshoot electrical issues at home:

Check your appliances and devices:

Look for any faulty or damaged items that may be causing problems. If you find any, unplug or replace them.

Inspect your electrical outlets and switches:

Look for signs of burning, discolouration, or unusual smells. Check for frayed or exposed wires. If you notice any issues, it's best to call a licensed and experienced electrician to assess and repair them.

Be aware of pests: An-electrical-wire-damaged-by-a-rat-in-a-house

Rodents like rats, mice, and chipmunks are known for chewing through electrical wires, which can lead to dangerous situations. If you suspect pests are present in your home, contact an exterminator to address the issue.

Check your breaker box: An-electrician-is-checking-the-breakers-condition

Make sure the breaker of the correct size is being used for each circuit. Ensure that all breakers are secure, and there are no sparks or signs of burning.

Here are some signs to look out for:

  • The main breaker trips, but the individual breakers seem fine.
  • The breaker won't reset properly.
  • You notice a burning smell coming from the electrical box.
  • The circuit breaker keeps tripping frequently.
  • There are signs of damage to a breaker, such as scorch marks.

If you spot any issues, contact a licensed electrician for repairs. Remember not to attempt any electrical work unless you're completely confident in your abilities.

Always prioritise safety when dealing with electrical issues. If you're unsure or don't have the right tools, it's best to hire a professional electrician who can safely handle the situation.

Pro Tip: If the breaker trips right away again, don't try to reset it. Resetting won't solve the underlying problem and could even be risky. It's best to contact a certified electrician to identify and fix the larger electrical problem.

Signs of a Tripped Fuse

A-fuse-is-tripped-in-a-London-property

How can you tell if you're dealing with a tripped fuse? Look for a power shut-off in one area of your home, frequently accompanied by a loss of lighting.

In some cases, the fuse box might show a red indicator or the switch corresponding to the affected area will be in an 'off' position.

[The Step-by-Step Guide]

How To Fix a Tripped Fuse?

A-homeowner-is-turning-off-the-power-in-circuit-box

There is no need to panic when you discover a fuse box switch is tripped; just follow these simple steps.

Turn off Appliances

Before attempting to reset the fuse, the first and most critical step is to switch off all appliances and lights connected to the circuit that you suspect is tripped. This helps prevent further overload and reduces the risk of electrical hazards.

Locate the Electrical Panel

Once everything is powered down, find your electrical panel. In most London homes, this is a grey metal box found in a hallway, basement, or other utility area. Knowing where your panel is located before an emergency is crucial so you can access it easily.

Identify the Tripped Fuse

The first step in fixing a tripped fuse is identifying the problem. When a fuse trips, it's typically due to an overload or short circuit in the electrical system. Start by locating your fuse box, usually found in the basement, garage, or utility room. Open the fuse box, and you'll see a series of on-off switches known as circuit breakers. Each switch controls the electricity to a different part of your home and is labelled accordingly. Scan these switches until you find one that's in the 'off' position, or if you have an older fuse box, you may notice a fuse with a visible break or burn mark.

Reset the Fuse

Now you have switched off all appliances. To reset the fuse, simply flip the switch back to the "on" position. If you have a fuse system, replace it with another one with the same amperage rating.

Test the Circuit

After resetting the fuse, test the circuit by gradually turning on appliances and lights one by one to ensure the system can handle the load. If the fuse trips again immediately, it could indicate a more serious underlying issue, and you may need to seek professional help from a qualified electrician.

Address the Cause

If the fuse remains intact after testing the circuit, you've successfully resolved the issue! However, to prevent future incidents, it's essential to address the cause of the tripped fuse. Common causes include overloaded circuits, faulty appliances, or wiring issues. Consider redistributing appliances across different circuits or having defective appliances repaired or replaced.

These simple steps allow London homeowners to quickly and safely restore power.


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Safety always comes first when dealing with electrical issues.

Expert Tips to Prevent Future Trips and Blown Fuses

  • Check your appliances and devices to see if any are faulty or damaged.
  • A-over-heated-plug-head

    👉 If you're looking for reliable electrical services, such as Portable Appliance Testing (PAT), EICR or any other electrical need, in London, give serviceteam's professional electricians a call. Make sure to get your PAT testing done on time. It checks all the portable devices in a building or at a construction site that are connected to the main electrical supply. This includes appliances like refrigerators, electric cookers, kettles, toasters, TVs, drills, hair dryers, and anything else that you plug into a socket! Ensure your home's electrical safety for peace of mind.

  • Make sure you're not overloading any circuits with too many devices plugged in.
  • Unplug or replace any appliances or devices that could be causing the problem.

For Long-Term Prevention:

  • Regularly inspect your electrical panel for signs of damage.
  • Avoid overloading outlets with multiple devices.
  • Unplug devices when they're not in use.
  • Replace worn or damaged electrical cords.
  • Use surge protectors to safeguard your appliances and devices from power surges.
  • Avoid doing electrical work yourself if you're not trained or experienced.

How Do I Know If I've Overloaded a Circuit?

Circuits can safely handle a specific amount of electricity. Using too many devices at once can draw more electricity than the circuit can handle. This causes the fuse to trip.

Too-many-devices-plugged-into-one-power-extension-at-the-same-time

If you've been using multiple appliances in one room, you've probably overloaded the circuit. Extension cords are often the culprit. Even though they have multiple sockets, it's not safe to use all of them simultaneously. Try unplugging some devices and then switch the tripped fuse back to the "on" position.

Safety Measures

When dealing with electricity, safety has to be the top priority. Therefore, make sure you wear appropriate safety gear such as gloves and, if possible, non-conductive footwear.

❌❌ Never attempt to fix a fuse in wet conditions.❌❌

When to Call a Professional Electrician

An-electrician-is-checking-the-fuse-box-problem

If the circuit trips again immediately after being reset or the breaker switch keeps turning off without apparent cause, it's time to bring in a professional. Some problems may be too complex or dangerous for an amateur to handle, so if in doubt, seek expert help from a qualified electrician.

Remember these simple steps, and the next time your home encounters a tripped fuse, approach the situation calmly and confidently.

Our professional electricians are just a call away, ready to step in and ensure your home's electrical systems are in top-notch condition.