As an electrician, we often visit homes where the problem is a fusebox which has an RCD that keeps tripping. We explain why this can happen and what it can mean. However, it is important to remember that electricity is extremely dangerous so if you are unsure it is always best to call in the experts.
About Aberdeen Electricians Ltd
We are affordable NICEIC approved electricians in Aberdeen. We provide a range of electrical services for customers including Rewiring (full or partial), Fusebox Replacement, Electrical PAT Testing, Electrical Installation and Repairs (lighting, sockets, appliances etc), LED Lighting installation, Landlord Electrical Services, EV Home Charger Installation and Smoke Alarm Installation
What to Do When an RCD Trips
Fuseboxes with RCDs
Modern domestic fuseboxes (consumer units) are usually fitted with one or more RCDs (residual
current devices). If yours doesn’t contain any RDCs you should definitely think about upgrading your
fusebox to one that does. This is because an RCD is a very important part of a fusebox. Its purpose is
to protect you from electric shocks and your property from electrical fires. It does this by constantly
monitoring the electric circuits in your property for leaking current caused by earth faults. It is an
extremely sensitive piece of equipment and can detect even the tiniest of current leakage. If an RCD
detects a fault it will automatically cut off the electricity to the problem circuit.
In the picture above, the fuse box has 2 RCDs. The RCD on the left can protect up to 5 circuits (to the
right of it) and the RCD on the right can protect another 5 circuits (to the right of it). Each live circuit
in this fusebox is protected by a separate MCB (miniature circuit breaker) as shown.
What to do if an RCD trips
It can be a nuisance when an RCD trips but it is a sign that a circuit in your property is unsafe. The
most common causes of RCD tripping are faulty appliances but there can be other causes. If an RCD
trips i.e. switches to the ‘OFF’ position you can:
1. Try resetting the RCD by toggling the RCD switch back to the ‘ON’ position. If the problem with
the circuit was a temporary one, this may solve the problem.
2.
If this does not work and the RCD immediately trips again to the ‘OFF position,
Switch all the MCBs that the RCD is protecting to the ‘OFF’ position
Flip the RCD switch back to the ‘ON’ position
Switch the MCBS to the ‘On’ position, one at a time.
When the RCD trips again you will be able to identify which circuit has the fault. You can then
call an electrician and explain the problem.
3.
It is also possible to try and locate the faulty appliance. You do this by unplugging everything in
your property, resetting the RCD to ‘ON’ and then plugging back in each appliance, one at a
time. If the RCD trips after plugging in and switching on a particular appliance then you have
found your fault. If this does not resolve the problem you should call an electrician for help.
Remember, electricity is extremely dangerous and all problems need to be taken seriously and never
ignored. If you are unsure it is always best to call the experts. So if you need help with a tripping RCD
or if you need to upgrade your fusebox to one with RCDs please get in touch. We are trusted, local
NICEIC approved electricians offering a wide range of commercial and domestic electrical services
for customers in Aberdeen.
Fuseboxes with RCDs
Modern domestic fuseboxes (consumer units) are usually fitted with one or more RCDs (residual
current devices). If yours doesn’t contain any RDCs you should definitely think about upgrading your
fusebox to one that does. This is because an RCD is a very important part of a fusebox. Its purpose is
to protect you from electric shocks and your property from electrical fires. It does this by constantly
monitoring the electric circuits in your property for leaking current caused by earth faults. It is an
extremely sensitive piece of equipment and can detect even the tiniest of current leakage. If an RCD
detects a fault it will automatically cut off the electricity to the problem circuit.
In the picture above, the fuse box has 2 RCDs. The RCD on the left can protect up to 5 circuits (to the
right of it) and the RCD on the right can protect another 5 circuits (to the right of it). Each live circuit
in this fusebox is protected by a separate MCB (miniature circuit breaker) as shown.
What to do if an RCD trips
It can be a nuisance when an RCD trips but it is a sign that a circuit in your property is unsafe. The
most common causes of RCD tripping are faulty appliances but there can be other causes. If an RCD
trips i.e. switches to the ‘OFF’ position you can:
1. Try resetting the RCD by toggling the RCD switch back to the ‘ON’ position. If the problem with
the circuit was a temporary one, this may solve the problem.
2.
If this does not work and the RCD immediately trips again to the ‘OFF position,
Switch all the MCBs that the RCD is protecting to the ‘OFF’ position
Flip the RCD switch back to the ‘ON’ position
Switch the MCBS to the ‘On’ position, one at a time.
When the RCD trips again you will be able to identify which circuit has the fault. You can then
call an electrician and explain the problem.
3.
It is also possible to try and locate the faulty appliance. You do this by unplugging everything in
your property, resetting the RCD to ‘ON’ and then plugging back in each appliance, one at a
time. If the RCD trips after plugging in and switching on a particular appliance then you have
found your fault. If this does not resolve the problem you should call an electrician for help.
Remember, electricity is extremely dangerous and all problems need to be taken seriously and never
ignored. If you are unsure it is always best to call the experts. So if you need help with a tripping RCD
or if you need to upgrade your fusebox to one with RCDs please get in touch. We are trusted, local
NICEIC approved electricians offering a wide range of commercial and domestic electrical services
for customers in Aberdeen.