What To Do If Your RCD Is Tripping

What Is An RCD?

An RCD (Residual Current Device) is a device installed for safety to prevent electrocution, electrical shocks or fire.

An RCD trips when it detects an electrical circuit fault and shuts off its own power. Most commonly, a damaged electrical appliance is the cause of a constantly tripping RCD.

Reasons Why Your RCD Might Be Tripping

Faulty Circuit: If your RCD continues to trip after being reset it is likely there is a fault in the system somewhere. If one of your house circuits has possibly developed a fault, it could be difficult to detect without professional help. There are a number of things to consider when diagnosing the cause of an RCD trip that you can do yourself, before you call an electrician.

Moisture: Moisture or dampness around electrical circuits can be the cause of current leakage. This is often the build-up of condensation. Keep electrical components clean and dry to avoid this.



What you can do:

•          Look for moisture around the electrical panel, the RCD and components of the circuit

•          Turn off power and dry the affected areas

•          Allow sufficient time for moisture to dry out before retesting, e.g. in light fittings

•          Resolve the moisture problem to prevent future issues

•          Replace any fittings or parts that have been damaged by the moisture

Faulty Electrical Appliances: Faulty or damaged appliances can leak current, e.g. an old oven with faulty element.

What you can do:

•          Unplug all appliances from the circuit and reset the RCD

•          One at a time, plug in each appliance until one of them trips the RCD (identifying which is causing the issue)

•          If you are unable to determine which appliance was at fault, contact a qualified electrician to assist you

Faulty RCD: As with all other electrical devices, RCDs can become worn out and faulty over time, requiring replacement.

What you can do:

•          If a faulty RCD seems to be the cause, contact a qualified electrical to test and replace with a suitable, high quality, RCD if at fault

Poor Quality or Incorrect RCD Rating: If the RCD is poor quality, or has an incorrect RCD rating for its operation, it is likely to trip more often.

What you can do:

•          Get a qualified electrician to check the RCD

•          Purchase a recommended, high quality RCD, suitable for your home circuits

Faulty Wiring: Wiring that has become fragile due to age can cause a short circuit which happens when the electrical current circumvents its destination. It continues to travel around the circuit with the same voltage that it started out with outside its intended path making electric wires heat up causing electric shock or fire. It is actually the circuit breaker that turns off the power and not the RCD that accompanies it when a short circuit is detected.

What you can do:

•          If you suspect faulty wiring is present in your home, contact Christchurch Electrical to arrange a wiring check. You will receive a report of the current status of your wiring and recommendations to fix any problems

How To Minimise RCD Tripping

You’ve called the professionals and you are waiting for them to arrive. Whilst you wait there are a few things you can do to reduce the chance of your RCD tripping:

•          Avoid using electrical appliances in wet areas wherever possible

•          Reduce load on the circuit by unplugging any electrical appliances that are not in use

•          If you have any immediate electrical safety concerns and think you need an emergency electrician, contact Christchurch

Electrical on 03 366 1718, we have a 24/7 emergency call out service

If your RCD has tripped it is possible it is detecting a leakage of current in your electrical circuit. It is tripping in order to cut power to stop injury or damage. If you are unable to determine the cause of the tripping it is very important to get an electrician to check this for you.

RCDs are a safety feature and the cause of their tripping maybe a serious electrical hazard that could endanger your family. To organise an a skilled electrician to review your RCD or wiring circuits, call 03 366 1718 to make an appointment.