Electrical3 min read
Why the breaker trips when you turn on the shower
The breaker is doing its job. Learn what is usually wrong and what not to do.
A breaker cuts the circuit when more current flows than the wires can handle. If it trips every time the shower turns on, it is protecting the wiring, not failing.
The most common causes
The electric shower uses more power than anything else in the house. When it shares a circuit with the kitchen or bathroom outlets, the total goes over the limit.
Another common cause is a new, more powerful shower connected to old wiring. A damaged heating element or loose connections also trip the breaker, often with a burning smell.
What not to do
Swapping the breaker for a bigger one so it stops tripping is the most dangerous mistake: the wire stays the same and starts to overheat with no protection at all.
When to call an electrician
If the breaker trips more than once a week, or if there is a burning smell, switch the circuit off and book a visit. The usual fix is a circuit just for the shower, with the right wire and breaker size.