Prevent Circuit Breaker Tripping Safely

Many tenants turn on air conditioners, induction cookers, or ovens at the same time, which frequently causes circuit breakers to trip. Tripping a circuit breaker is often seen as a minor issue, but it's usually an early warning sign of circuit overload or leakage. Today, we'll teach you how to identify the cause, handle it immediately, and learn prevention methods.

Q1｜Why does the circuit breaker frequently trip? Are power strips more prone to issues?

Three most common causes

• Overload (using too many high-power appliances simultaneously): For example, running "air conditioner + induction cooker/oven/instant water heater" at the same time.
• Improper use of power strips: Household power strips are typically rated at 13A (220V × 13A ≈ 2,860W). If multiple high-power appliances are plugged into one strip or if strips are daisy-chained, it can easily cause overheating/overloading. Do not connect power strips to other power strips (daisy-chaining).
• Leakage/short circuit: Damp environments (kitchen/bathroom) causing socket moisture, damaged plugs, aging wiring, or poor contact can all lead to circuit breaker tripping.

Q2 | Are power strips more prone to accidents? How to use them safely?

Yes. Power strips have limited load capacity, so high-power appliances should be plugged directly into wall outlets whenever possible.

Two key points for power strip safety:

• Do not connect power strips to other power strips (daisy-chaining); coiled cables should be fully extended.
• Keep power strips away from moisture; replace old, overheating, or discolored ones immediately.

Q3 | In what order should you handle a "tripped circuit breaker"?

• Turn off appliances first: First, turn off the high-power appliances that were on simultaneously (e.g., induction cookers, ovens, water heaters).
• Reset the circuit breaker: Go to the electrical panel and flip the tripped switch back to "on"; first reset the main switch, then the branch circuits.
• Turn appliances back on one by one: In batches, turn the appliances back on; if it trips again immediately upon turning on, it indicates that the combination of appliances is drawing too much power at once or there is a suspicious appliance.
• Stop immediately if abnormalities are seen: If you smell burning, see smoke, or notice the plug/power strip heating up, do not reset it again; stop using it immediately and arrange for a professional electrician to inspect it.

Q4｜Methods to Prevent "Circuit Breaker Tripping"

• Avoid using multiple high-power appliances on the same power strip/outlet.
• When cooking, pause the oven or washer-dryer; avoid running the air conditioner and induction cooker at full speed simultaneously.
• Choose compliant power strips, ensuring the product has passed the BS 1363/A test or has been issued the "Certificate of Compliance with Safety Standards" by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department.
• Regularly inspect: if the outlet is loose, the power strip is heating up/deforming, or the plug is damaged, replace it immediately.

"Circuit breaker tripping" often results from simultaneous high power usage or power strip overload, with electrical leakage being a common cause. Use high-power appliances in batches, plug compliant power strips directly, and stop using them if abnormalities are seen; if the problem persists, have it inspected by a registered electrician.