Tesla Powerwall › Problems
Powerwall install keeps tripping a circuit breaker
A breaker keeps tripping since the Tesla Powerwall install, or a Powerwall's own breaker trips and won't stay on. This page covers what the lights and app messages mean, what to check first, and the causes behind it.
What the lights mean
| What you see | What it means |
|---|---|
| Powerwall 2 light off | The Powerwall is not enabled or is switched off. |
| Powerwall 2 light solid | The Powerwall is on and talking to the gateway. |
| Powerwall 2 light pulsing | The Powerwall is on and charging or discharging. |
| Powerwall 3 logo flashes red, cycles, then ends solid white after its enable switch and breaker are turned on | The Powerwall 3 is starting up. The red flashing during start-up is normal. |
| Powerwall 3 light solid white | Normal operation. |
| Powerwall 3 light flashing red | Inverter fault. |
Error codes that go with this problem
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| Powerwall Disabled - Service Required - Fault Detected | A red warning in the app: a Powerwall is disabled by an internal fault that requires replacement. Contact your installer. |
What to check first
- Note which breaker trips, what was running when it did, and whether it trips again every time the same loads run together.
- Check each Powerwall's breaker. Switching a tripped one back on brought back full charging and discharging. If it trips again and will not reset, call Tesla or your installer.
- Note whether the trip happened at the moment of a gateway firmware update, for example if UPS units beeped and switched over at the same time.
- If the tripping breaker is a combination arc-fault/ground-fault type, turn it off, hold its test button, turn it back on and time the trip. Right away means ground fault, about 2 seconds arc fault, about 5 seconds no fault, overload or short circuit.
- Check the app for a red 'Powerwall Disabled - Service Required - Fault Detected' warning. If it is there, contact your installer.
- If a breaker keeps tripping, leave it off and call Tesla or your installer. Contacting the local installation office directly reportedly avoids Tesla's Site Visit Agreement and its possible $200 charge.
Safety. Leave a breaker that keeps tripping switched off until the wiring has been checked, to rule out dangerous miswiring and a fire risk.
The causes and the fixes
Partners see the causes behind this problem, most common first, the checks that tell them apart, and the fix for each, with part numbers and recent prices when a part is involved.