Why Your Oven Keeps Tripping the Breaker – Causes and Solutions
If your oven keeps tripping breaker every time you switch it on, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common electrical faults reported by homeowners across the UK. Whether you’ve just moved into a new home or are relying on an older appliance, electrical tripping can be frustrating, inconvenient, and even dangerous if left unresolved.
At Applanco Kitchen Appliance Repairs UK, we help hundreds of customers every year who are dealing with faulty ovens and frequent circuit breaker trips. In this article, we’ll break down the most common causes, how to identify them, and when it’s time to call in a professional.
1. Circuit Overload
One of the most common reasons your oven is tripping the breaker is due to circuit overload. This occurs when your oven draws more power than the electrical circuit can safely handle. If your oven shares the same circuit as other high-power appliances – like a microwave, kettle, or dishwasher – the load can quickly become too much.
A standard oven can draw between 13-30 amps, depending on size and features. If your circuit is only rated for 30 amps and multiple appliances are running simultaneously, your breaker will trip to prevent overheating or fire. The best fix here is to ensure your oven has a dedicated circuit, ideally installed by a qualified electrician.
2. Short Circuit
A short circuit occurs when two wires that should not touch end up connecting, allowing an uncontrolled surge of electricity to pass through. In ovens, this can happen if internal wires become damaged, exposed, or deteriorated due to age or heat exposure.
The signs of a short circuit include a sharp popping sound, visible sparks, or the circuit breaker tripping immediately when the oven is turned on. Short circuits are hazardous and should never be ignored. If your oven trips the breaker every time you switch it on, turn it off at the wall and contact Applanco Kitchen Appliance Repairs for professional assistance.
3. Faulty Heating Element
Another frequent cause of oven tripping is a faulty heating element. Over time, the element can become cracked or warped, allowing electrical current to escape to the oven’s metal chassis. When this happens, your oven will trip the circuit breaker as soon as it begins to heat up.
To test this, switch the oven on at a low temperature and gradually increase the heat. If the trip occurs only once the oven begins heating, it’s likely an element issue.
4. Earth (Ground) Fault
An earth fault (also known as a ground fault) happens when a live wire makes contact with a grounded part of the appliance, such as the oven casing or a metal component inside. This type of fault usually results in an RCD (Residual Current Device) tripping, which is a safety mechanism in modern consumer units.
Earth faults can be caused by moisture buildup, pests, or corrosion, especially if your oven isn’t used regularly. Moisture in the heating element insulators can turn insulating material into a conductor, causing electricity to flow to the metal parts of the oven. In damp climates or homes where the oven is rarely used, this is quite common.
To avoid this, we recommend turning your oven on at least once a week, even if just for a few minutes, to evaporate any residual moisture inside.
5. Internal Component Failure
Ovens contain many internal parts that can fail over time – including thermostats, selector switches, fans, and control boards. If any of these components develop faults, they can create an electrical imbalance or short, leading to tripping.
For example, a malfunctioning selector switch can cross wires meant for different oven modes (fan oven, grill, defrost), while a failed thermostat may allow the oven to overheat. Identifying these faults requires experience and specialist tools, which is why calling a professional like Applanco Kitchen Appliance Repairs UK is the safest choice.
How to Diagnose the Problem Safely
Before calling out a technician, you can try a few basic checks to narrow down the issue:
- Unplug other appliances on the same circuit to rule out overload.
- Visually inspect the oven’s power cable and plug for any signs of burning or melting.
- Listen for unusual sounds (e.g. buzzing, clicking, or popping) when switching the oven on.
- If safe, test one function at a time (e.g. grill, fan oven, conventional heat) to see if only one mode triggers the trip.
Do not open the oven or attempt to repair internal components unless you are fully trained. Electrical appliances carry the risk of electrocution if handled incorrectly
When to Call Applanco
If your oven continues to trip your circuit breaker despite taking precautions, it’s time to speak to the experts. At Applanco Kitchen Appliance Repairs UK, we specialise in diagnosing and fixing all types of oven electrical issues. We cover a wide range of brands and models, including Bosch, Beko, Neff, Hotpoint, and more.
We offer:
- Fast same-day or next-day appointments
- Experienced, insured engineers
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Genuine replacement parts for long-lasting repairs
