An earth-leakage switch that keeps tripping is trying to tell you something — there is current leaking where it should not, and the device is protecting you from a shock. Here is what causes it and how an electrician traces the real fault instead of just resetting it.
What earth leakage actually does
The earth-leakage unit in your DB board constantly compares the current flowing out to the current returning. If even a small amount "leaks" to earth — through a person, water or a fault — it trips in milliseconds. That is a safety feature working correctly, not a nuisance to be overridden.
The most common causes
- Faulty geyser element — a perished element leaks current through the water. One of the most frequent culprits.
- A damaged appliance — kettles, pool pumps, washing machines and old extension leads commonly develop earth faults.
- Moisture in an outdoor or garden circuit — rain into a junction box or light fitting trips the switch, often only when wet.
- A failing earth-leakage unit — after years and many trips, the device itself can become over-sensitive and needs replacing.
How to narrow it down yourself
Switch off all the circuit breakers, reset the earth leakage, then turn breakers back on one at a time. When it trips, you have found the faulty circuit. Unplug appliances on that circuit and re-test to see if an appliance — rather than the wiring — is the cause.
When to call an electrician
If you cannot isolate it, or it trips intermittently, an electrician uses insulation-resistance testing to pinpoint the exact cable or appliance. Do not keep forcing the switch back on — that defeats the protection. See our earth-leakage testing and fault-finding services, or call us if you have lost power entirely.