In most cases, if an electrical appliance is switched off at the socket (plugged into an outlet but not turned on), it should not trip the circuit breaker or the trip switch in the electric box.
When you switch off an electrical appliance at the socket, it breaks the circuit and interrupts the flow of electricity to the appliance. As a result, there should be no current running through the appliance, and it should not cause an overload or fault that would trigger the circuit breaker.
However, there are a few scenarios where an electrical appliance that is switched off could still cause a trip:
Faulty Appliance: If the appliance itself is faulty, even when switched off, it may have a short circuit or ground fault that causes it to draw excessive current when plugged in, leading to a trip.
Faulty Socket or Wiring: If there's a problem with the electrical socket or the wiring connected to it, it might cause an intermittent short circuit or ground fault, leading to a trip even if the appliance is switched off.
Residual Current: Some appliances, particularly those with electronic components, may have capacitors that store residual current even after being switched off. In rare cases, this stored current might lead to a trip.
Shared Circuits: If the electrical box has multiple circuits sharing a single circuit breaker, an issue with another appliance or device on the same circuit could cause a trip, even if the appliance in question is switched off.
While these scenarios are not common, it's essential to ensure that your electrical appliances and wiring are in good condition to minimize the risk of tripping the circuit breaker or trip switch. If you experience frequent trips, it's best to have a qualified electrician inspect the electrical system to identify and resolve any underlying issues.