The safety switch is a crucial piece of your electrical system. It keeps everything running smoothly even when it is not safe to do so. But what happens when you have a safety switch that keeps tripping? The home wiring system is designed with safety switches, to make sure that, should the hair dryer, the toaster, or the electric kettle short circuit, the wiring system and the rest of the house do not catch fire. Most homeowners are not aware that a safety switch is something that is needed to keep a home safe from damage from electrical malfunctions. If your safety switch keeps tripping, do not wait to get it fixed. The problem might be more serious than you think.
Why do safety switches keep tripping?
If you have an electric switch that keeps tripping, it’s likely that your home’s wiring has a problem. This problem could stem from a faulty switch or a bad connection in the electrical box. It could also be that the problem isn’t with the switch at all, but with the connection to the switch. The most common cause of tripped safety switches is if they are miswired, or if there is a short circuit between live conductors and earth. If there is a fault on the live conductor, and the safety switch trips, the electricity will move to earth through an earth wire. This will cause the earth wire to heat up, and trip the safety switch.
Faulty safety switch
A faulty safety switch can be a serious problem for a homeowner, especially if it is a main switch, like the one that controls power to your entire house. Faulty safety switches are often the most common cause of electrical fires. It is a common misconception that faulty wiring or worn connections are the main culprits, however faulty safety switches are often the root cause. Faulty safety switches can have a variety of causes ranging from manufacturing defects to improper installation. If you are concerned about the safety of your home or business’ electrical wiring, you should contact a qualified electrician to look at your installation.
What to do if your safety switch keeps tripping?
The first thing to check is whether or not you are using the appropriate type of bulb with your light fixture. If you have an old incandescent bulb (the kind that you screw into the lamp) and you are trying to use a new CFL, that could be why your switch keeps tripping. Another thing to check is whether or not you have a loose wire that is causing the problem. Tighten all your wiring connections, and see if the problem persists.
If there are faulty electrical components that are causing the safety switch to trip, you will have to contact an electrician to resolve the issue. If there is a short circuit, you can investigate the problem yourself, but it will require shutting off the main power, and this should only be done by a professional. The best way to know if your system is safe is to hire a qualified electrician to conduct a safety check and make the necessary upgrades.
