How can I tell if it is the appliance or the socket?

Try the appliance in a completely different socket on a different circuit (e.g., in another room). If it trips that one too, the appliance is faulty. If it works fine elsewhere, the original socket or circuit has a problem.

Can a new appliance trip the electrics?

Yes. Manufacturing defects, transport damage, or simply a very high inrush current (common with large motors in compressors or power tools) can cause tripping. If a brand-new appliance trips your electrics, return it under warranty.

Is it safe to keep using an appliance that sometimes trips the electrics?

No. An intermittent fault is still a fault. The appliance could become permanently faulty at any time, and if the trip switch does not react quickly enough, it could cause a shock or fire. Get the appliance tested.

Could a faulty extension lead cause tripping?

Absolutely. Damaged extension leads, overloaded multi-socket adapters, and cheap multi-way bars are common causes of tripping. Try plugging directly into the wall socket to rule this out.

Caution

Updated 30 August 2026

Electrics Trip When I Plug Something In

Your electrics trip the moment you plug in a specific appliance or device.

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What's happening?

When plugging in an appliance immediately causes your electrics to trip, either the appliance itself has a fault or the socket you are plugging into has a problem. If the same appliance trips the electrics in any socket, the appliance is at fault. If multiple appliances trip the same socket, the socket or circuit has a fault.

What usually causes it?

Faulty appliance with internal insulation breakdown causing earth leakage
Damaged appliance flex with exposed or frayed wires
Water-damaged appliance that has not fully dried out
Faulty socket with loose internal connections
Incorrect plug wiring in the appliance (especially on older items with non-moulded plugs)
Appliance with a very high inrush current overwhelming the circuit

Is it dangerous?

If the appliance is faulty, using it elsewhere or forcing the electrics to stay on could result in an electric shock or fire. The RCD or MCB is doing its job. Do not defeat the protection by removing the earth wire or using an unearthed socket.

Can I fix it myself?

Try the appliance in a different socket on a different circuit. If it trips that circuit too, the appliance is faulty — stop using it and get it repaired or replaced. Check the plug wiring if it is a non-moulded plug. Check the flex for any visible damage. If multiple appliances trip the same socket, the socket may be faulty.

When should you call an electrician?

Call an electrician if you cannot determine whether the fault is the appliance or the socket, if multiple sockets on the same circuit are affected, or if you find a socket that appears damaged, scorched, or loose. An electrician can test both the appliance and the socket circuit.