Upstairs Circuit Keeps Tripping
- How urgent
- Caution
- Who fixes it
- An electrician
What's happening?
In many UK homes, the socket and lighting circuits are split between upstairs and downstairs, each with their own MCB. When the upstairs circuit keeps tripping, the fault is somewhere in the upstairs wiring or in an appliance used upstairs. Common culprits include bedroom appliances, bathroom fittings, and loft wiring.
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What usually causes it?
- Faulty appliance in a bedroom such as an electric blanket, hair dryer, or heater
- Moisture in a bathroom fitting such as a shower isolator or extractor fan
- Damaged cable in the loft where wiring runs between rooms
- Overloaded upstairs ring circuit with too many high-draw appliances
- Faulty socket in a bedroom or landing
- Loft conversion wiring that was done incorrectly or has developed a fault
Is it dangerous?
The same risks apply as with any tripping circuit. Bathroom-related faults are of particular concern because of the proximity to water. If the upstairs lighting circuit is also affected, you may need to use stairs in the dark, which is a fall hazard.
Can I fix it myself?
Identify which MCB has tripped and reset it. Unplug all appliances upstairs and try again. Pay particular attention to bedside lamps, electric blankets, heaters, and bathroom appliances. Plug items back in one at a time. Check bathroom fittings for any signs of moisture or condensation.
When should you call an electrician?
Call an electrician if the circuit trips with nothing plugged in upstairs, if you suspect a bathroom fitting is the cause, if you have a loft conversion that may have wiring issues, or if the problem is affecting both sockets and lights upstairs.
What will the electrician actually do?
- Identify which upstairs circuits are affected (ring main, lighting, or both)
- Test the upstairs wiring with insulation resistance testing
- Inspect bathroom fittings, loft wiring, and bedroom sockets for faults
- Check any loft conversion wiring for compliance and faults
- Repair the fault and test the circuit to confirm safe operation
Who fixes this
What it usually costs
- Electrical Fault Finding Cost
- Priced on survey
Questions people ask
Why does only the upstairs keep tripping?
Could my electric blanket be the cause?
Is the bathroom wiring a common problem?
Could a loft conversion be the cause?
Sources & References
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