Did you know that electrical failures contribute to nearly 13% of house fires every year? Yes, when your MCB (miniature circuit breaker) won’t stay on, it isn’t just a minor inconvenience; it’s your electrical system’s way of saying that something is not right. The MCB is designed to protect your home against overloads, short circuits, and ground faults. Every time the breaker trips, it is performing its job to prevent a situation from becoming a disaster. But if it trips too frequently, it means there may be something else that needs your attention.
If you’re dealing with a breaker that won’t stay on, you’re likely searching for answers. This comprehensive guide, created by the best light manufacturer in India, highlights the top 5 reasons why your MCB keeps tripping. We shall also discuss what you can safely troubleshoot at home, and indicators of when you should call a professional electrician. Let’s get started.
Reason #1: Circuit Overload
The number one reason circuits trip is overload. A circuit trip occurs when you take more power than the circuit was designed to carry. If you plug a heater, microwave and kettle into the same outlet strip, after a while, the overload will cause the breaker to trip. If you overload a breaker, it won’t happen right away; it could take weeks of heavy-duty use. However, you can connect with the best MCB manufacturer in India to invest in the right product.
Quick Tips to Fix Your Mild Overloads:
- Redistribute electrical loads by unplugging non-essential devices.
- Make sure to run heavy appliances (microwave, heater, hair dryer) on separate circuits.
- Adhere to the 80% rule – don’t use more than 80% of your circuit’s rated capacity.
- Once you find overloads occurring more often, you need to upgrade your electrical panel or add new circuits.
Reason #2: Short Circuit
A short circuit is more dangerous and causes your MCB to trip instantly. This occurs when the hot and neutral wires touch each other or when the current finds a low-resistance path. The surge is so high that the breaker can’t stay on.
Short circuits usually occur with sparks, burn marks, and a sharp smell of burning. Sometimes, the breaker trips at the moment you reset it. Normally, it is caused by faulty appliances, damaged extension leads, or old wiring, generally anything that goes against the conductor.
How to Handle Short Circuits?
- Unplug every device you are using, and reset the breaker. If it holds, plug one device back and see if that trips the breaker. Continue until a faulty device is found. Do not disconnect all devices at the same time.
- Replace damaged cords, plugs, and appliances by choosing the best light manufacturer in India, and ensure you have the right appliances at home.
Reason #3: Ground Fault
Ground faults happen when electricity flows and moves to the ground, sometimes through water, faulty wiring, or even a person. Ground faults are very serious since they lead to severe electric shock.
Ground faults are most likely to take place where water and electricity are present, such as bathrooms, kitchens, basements, outdoor sockets, etc. Modern codes of practice require GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) protection in those areas due to the seriousness of a ground fault. If your breaker is continually tripping in these areas, it could be a ground fault!
Quick Fixes for Ground Faults:
- Put in or upgrade GFCI outlets in bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoors.
- Ensure that you don’t use appliances like hair dryers and kettles over wet surfaces.
- Replace old outdoor outlets with weatherproof coverings.
Reason #4: Faulty or Ageing MCB
Although wiring or appliances are the most common cause of tripping problems, it is important to understand that sometimes the breaker itself can be faulty. Over time, circuit breakers can go bad and become overly sensitive and fail to perform.
A signal that the breaker may be faulty is that it trips at loads far below its rating. You may also notice difficulties resetting the breaker, and even burn marks may be visible. In some instances, the breaker may not even stay in the “on” position. Generally, breakers last in the range of 25-40 years, depending on the age of the panel and the frequency of surges.
How to Fix Your Faulty MCBs?
- Check if the breaker is tripping with no devices plugged into it – if so, then it is likely that the MCB is faulty.
- Do not perform your own replacement; always hire a licensed electrician for breaker or panel upgrades.
Reason #5: Loose Electrical Connections
Loose connections inside outlets, switches, or panels cause resistance, creating heat. This heat builds up until the breaker automatically trips, even if you haven’t overdrawn the circuit. Over time, the problem can worsen and even create fire hazards. Thus, it is advised to connect with the Best light manufacturer in India, like Vensor Electrical Pvt. Ltd and get quick solutions.
Furthermore, sometimes you might see lights flickering, smell burning, or notice crackling near switches and outlets. Note that these signs relate to bad connections.
Here are easy fixes for bad connections.
- If you have loose wiring connections, don’t try to fix them yourself. Working with wiring inside walls or inside panels is dangerous.
- Have a licensed electrician come inspect the connection and tighten as needed.
The Bottom Line
If your MCB has tripped, it’s not just “being picky.” It’s protecting you. But it is always advised that you should never ignore any warning signs, such as burn smells, black marks on your switchboards or equipment, or any case that trips your MCB instantly; these only increase your risk.
Additionally, it is crucial to contact the top MCB manufacturer in India, Vensor Electrical Pvt. Ltd and fix the root cause of the problems. Vensor India is the best company for electrical accessories. We offer a wide range of electrically guaranteed products, including modular switches, MCBs, reliable PVC conduit pipes, high-quality wires and cables, and innovative LED lighting solutions. We are your reliable destination for all electrical needs. Visit us to get the right appliance for a safe home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Why is my MCB tripping constantly?
MCBs usually trip continuously due to a load overload, a short circuit, ground faults, or a faulty or damaged breaker. A licensed electrician can identify the cause.
Q2. Can I fix a tripping MCB myself?
In-home fixes may include unplugging devices that are not being used. Always call a licensed electrician for wiring faults, ground faults, and breaker replacement.
Q3. How do I know that my MCB breaker has gone faulty?
Your MCB breaker may be faulty if it trips with a low load, fails to reset at all, or exhibits visible burn marks. If in doubt, we recommend replacing your MCB breaker.
Q4. Which is the best brand for MCBs and electrical products?
One of the best MCB and light manufacturers in India is Vensor India. They offer MCBs, switches, LED lights, wires, and others, all with safety assurance