It’s a common scenario: you’re boiling the kettle or turning on the oven, and suddenly, everything goes dark. A tripping fuse box might be more than just a nuisance; it may be a sign of a deeper electrical issue.
Whether it’s due to overloaded circuits, faulty wiring, or simply an outdated consumer unit, knowing what to do when your power goes out is crucial. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the common causes of tripping, what you can safely check yourself, and when it’s time to call a qualified electrician in Newquay.
Common Reasons a Fuse Box Trips
There are a few main culprits behind a tripped fuse box. Understanding these can help you identify whether it’s a one-off issue or something more serious.
• Overloaded circuits: Plugging too many high-power appliances into one socket can cause the circuit to trip.
• Faulty wiring: Damaged, loose, or degraded wiring can trigger the RCD (residual current device) to shut off power for safety.
• Faulty appliances: A malfunctioning kettle, toaster, or washing machine could be causing electrical shorts.
• Outdated fuse boxes: Many older homes in Newquay still have legacy fuse boxes that don’t meet modern safety standards and are prone to frequent tripping.
What to Check When the Power Goes Out
Before you panic or call an electrician in Newquay, here are some quick checks you can do safely:
• Turn off all appliances connected to the tripped circuit. This prevents a surge when you reset.
• Reset the RCD switch on your consumer unit. This is usually clearly labelled.
• Unplug high-load items like kettles, microwaves, or heaters and plug them back in one at a time.
• Look for patterns: Does the fuse trip every time you use a specific appliance or plug socket?
If everything seems normal but the fuse keeps tripping, that’s a red flag. Time to get a professional involved.
When It’s Time to Call an Electrician
DIY has its limits, especially when it comes to electricity. If you notice any of the following, it’s time to call a local qualified electrician in Newquay.
• Repeated fuse trips with no obvious cause.
• Burning smells or visible scorch marks near plug sockets or the fuse box.
• Old or unsafe fuse boxes, especially those without an RCD.
• Need for consumer unit upgrades to comply with current safety regulations.
Many older properties in Cornwall, especially coastal homes in Newquay, suffer from damp and outdated wiring, which can increase the risk of electrical issues.
How Wake Electrical Can Help
At Wake Electrical, we’ve built a reputation as trusted Newquay electricians offering expert service with a local touch.
Whether it’s a complete rewire, a thorough inspection, or replacing an outdated consumer unit, our experienced team is here to help. We recently upgraded the consumer unit in a 1960s home near Fistral Beach. The old fuse box did not have the correct type of RCD protection for the appliances installed. We replaced the fuse box with an updated RCBO and SPD-protected consumer unit. The homeowner now enjoys a safer, more reliable electrical system.
Keep Your Home Safe with WAKE ELECTRICAL
Your home’s electrical system is nothing to take chances with. If your fuse box keeps tripping, it’s often a sign of something that needs professional attention.
If you’re experiencing electrical issues, our team of experienced electricians in Newquay is here to help. Contact Wake Electrical today and keep your home safe. Give us a call or fill out the form on our contact page, and we will get back to you within 24 hours!