Electric shower keeps tripping: causes and fixes
By Azzeddine Kebbi, NAPIT-registered electrician and director of Kebbi Electrical Services · Updated 10 November 2026
An electric shower that trips the RCD or breaker usually has a fault in the unit, the switch or the wiring. Here is what causes it and what to do.
First, stay safe
- If you can smell burning, see scorch marks or the fitting feels hot, switch off at the consumer unit and call us on 07943 951993.
- Do not take covers off or work on wiring yourself.
Common causes
Failing heating element
Elements break down over time and leak current to earth, which trips the RCD.
Water inside the unit
A cracked case or failed seal lets water reach live parts.
Burnt pull-cord switch
Showers draw high current. A worn or loose switch overheats and can fail.
Undersized cable or breaker
Often after a more powerful shower was fitted to old wiring. This is a fire risk.
RCD trip or breaker trip?
| What trips | Usually means |
|---|---|
| RCD or RCBO | Current leaking to earth, often the element or water ingress |
| Breaker (MCB) | Overload or short circuit, often wiring, a switch or the unit |
| Shower just stops heating | The shower's own safety cut-out, often due to scale or low water flow |
Not sure what tripped? See RCD keeps tripping and what is an RCBO.
Common questions
Shower dead or running cold instead? See electric shower not working.
Why does my electric shower trip the electrics?
The most common causes are a failing heating element, water getting into the shower unit, a burnt pull-cord switch or loose connections. Each needs testing to find.
Why does my shower trip the RCD but not the breaker?
An RCD trip means current is leaking to earth, often from a failing element or water inside the unit. A breaker (MCB) trip points more to overload or a short circuit.
Is it safe to keep resetting it?
No. Repeated tripping means there is a fault. Leave it off and have it tested.
Should I replace the shower or repair it?
It depends on the fault and the age of the unit. If the cable or breaker is undersized for a more powerful shower, that must be put right too. We test first and then explain the options.
Shower still tripping?
We test the shower, switch and circuit, find the fault and fix it safely. Call us or see our emergency electrician service.