A TV tripping a breaker could be due to an electrical fault inside the TV, the TV cord or plug, the multi board (if the TV is plugged into one), the power socket the TV is plugged into, the switchboard, or the cable between the power socket and switchboard. This post will discuss why a breaker trips, and basic ways to determine why this fault is occurring from an electrician’s perspective.
Why A Breaker Trips
While it can be annoying, a circuit breaker trips for very important reasons.
This is either to prevent an electric shock occurring or a fire from developing due to an electrical fault.
Mains electricity has the potential to cause both fatal electric shocks and house fires. An RCD circuit breaker is designed to detect when a shock is at risk of occurring (such as leakage onto a conductive surface), or interrupt a shock before it becomes fatal.
A MCB circuit breaker is designed to interrupt a short circuit or overload before they cause a fire. This is important because cables are located in places we cannot see such as walls and ceilings.
A TV is unlikely to overload a circuit so the two main faults we will talk about are short circuits and ground faults.
Checking what type of breaker has tripped will help determine what type of fault has occurred.
RCD = ground fault and MCB = short circuit. With this in mind let’s look at where the fault could be occurring.
TV Tripping Breaker? – Fault Location #1
The TV
A short circuit inside the TV could be causing the breaker to trip.
Plugging the TV into a power socket located in another room could clarify if this is the problem.
If the breaker still trips when being plugged into a different outlet (via an extension cord somewhere else in the house) then the TV can definitely be the culprit.
TV Tripping Breaker? Fault #2
The TV Cord
If the TV cord has been damaged then it will trip a breaker. Cords can become damaged by being squashed, pulled too hard or even chewed by mice.
This exposes live wires which can short out tripping a breaker.
A visual inspection of the cord will reveal if this is the cause of the problem. For example are there visible cuts or abrasions on the cord which could have caused the fault.
TV Tripping Breaker? Fault #3
The TV Plug
Unplug the TV and check the condition of the plug.
Can you see signs of black carbon (soot), melting or dis coloration on the plug and plug pins. This indicates that the plug is faulty and causing the breaker to trip. A faulty plug can also cause a shock.
TV Tripping Breaker? Fault #4
Multiboard
Multiboards and extension cords are common reasons why faults occur. The condition of the multiboard and any appliances plugged into it should be checked in a similar manner to above.
This means checking the cords and plugs for abrasions or burnt areas. Do the same for the multiboard as well.
If the fault hasn’t been found yet, there may be internal wiring issues beginning with the power socket.
TV Tripping Breaker? Fault #5
Power Socket
If the power socket has evidence of carbon around its perimeter, melting, discoloration or a weird smell then it is likely that it is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Power sockets can become faulty due to being heavily used (wear and tear), ant nests behind the socket and mouse damage. They can also fail due to corrosion and water intrusion.
TV Tripping Breaker? Fault #6
Cable Between Power Socket And Switchboard
The condition of the cable between the power socket and switchboard can be determined by an insulation resistance test.
This tests the integrity of the insulation between these two points. It helps work out whether a short circuit has occurred. The cable can be damaged in the ceiling due to rodent damage, sharp objects or overloading the circuit too many times.
TV Tripping Breaker? Fault #7
Circuit Breaker In Switchboard
The circuit breaker in the switchboard could have a loose wire in it causing it to become faulty. The breaker itself could simply be faulty.
Electricians Perspective
In our experience, the problem lies with the multiboard (and any appliances plugged into it) or the power socket the TV is plugged into. Don’t rule out whether the TV is at fault – plug it into an outlet in another part of the house and see if the breaker still trips. If these aren’t the cause, then the cable itself may be faulty and need to be tested with an insulation resistance tester.
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