Why does my breaker keep tripping with nothing plugged in? Although nothing is plugged in there are many reasons why a breaker might still trip. Short circuits, overloads and ground faults will definitely cause a breaker to trip. This post will help you get an idea why the breaker is tripping so you can take the next step to fixing it.
What Will Cause A Breaker To Trip?
A breaker is a protective device designed to protect people and property from what happens when there is a fault in the electrical system. In most cases, this is to protect against fire which will wreck property and electric shocks which can be potentially fatal. For most homes, breakers will be protecting against these three types of electrical faults.
Short Circuits
Short circuits can be explosive and occur when the live wire comes in contact with the neutral wire. If a short circuit isn’t ‘tripped’, it will eventually lead to a fire. Here is a post to learn more about short circuits.
Ground Faults
Ground faults are a type of short circuit where the live wire makes contact with conductive surfaces and the earth leading to potentially fatal electric shocks. Check out our post to read more about ground faults.
Overloads
Overloads happen because more current is being passed through the cable than it is designed to handle. When this happens cables heat up before eventually melting their insulation and causing a fire – if not interrupted by a breaker. Here is some more information about electrical overloads.
Why Does My Breaker Keep Tripping With Nothing Plugged In? – Reason #1
Outside Lights & Power Points
Has there been heavy rain lately? In my experience, outside lights and power points can get water inside them, especially after a storm. When this happens it will tend to trip an RCD.
How To Find What Is Tripping The RCD.
In your switchboard there may be a tripped RCD. Next to the RCD there should be other breakers, generally three, but possibly more in an older switchboard.
Turn off the other breakers next to the RCD, then reset the RCD.
Now, switch on each breaker one by one. When the RCD trips you will have found the circuit which is causing the problem.
Why Does My Breaker Keep Tripping With Nothing Plugged In? – Reason #2
Faulty Power Point, Light Or Switch
Power points and lights can fail and cause circuit breakers to trip for a variety of reasons. Sometimes lights and power points can give clues to show that they are burnt out such as a fishy or ammonia smell.
Sometimes mechanical failure of the fitting can be the cause of the issue. The solution to this in most cases is to replace the fitting unless there is cable damage.
Why Does My Breaker Keep Tripping With Nothing Plugged In? – Reason #3
Damaged Cable
Damaged cable is a common reason for electrical faults. Some of the reasons why this occurs include rodent damage, UV light, sharp objects, poor workmanship, wear and tear and many others. An insulation resistance tester will confirm whether there is damage to any cables but it is a good idea to find out whether the problem is caused by something else first.
Conclusion
Why does my breaker keep tripping with nothing plugged in? There are many reasons for why a breaker might trip such as a faulty light fitting, light switch or power point. There might also be a damaged cable. If you are unsure, always contact an experienced registered electrician to help you diagnose and fix the problem.
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