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Tripped RCD? Why and What Should You Do?

Is your RCD constantly tripping? It can definitely be very annoying as it cuts off all electricity supply in your home, especially when it is malfunctioning. To find out the root cause of the problem, you’ll need to know the nature of RCDs and why they do what they do. 

If the problem still persists, we‘d highly recommend looking for professional electricians such as RM Plumbing and Electrical to inspect and investigate the issue. They can be reached via their website: rmplumbingandelectrical.co.uk

What Is RCD?

RCD is also known as a Residual Current Device that acts as a protection that keeps your home free from electrical accidents such as electrocution or fire. In essence, RCD trips and cuts off all power supplies when the device detects any anomaly within the electrical circuits, which means constant RCD tripping will mean that there might be some damaged electrical appliances in your home.

Reasons Why Your RCD Trips

Worn Out Electric Wires

Short circuits usually occur when the electric wires get old and broken, and it can be very dangerous when in contact with humans. These wires allow electricity to travel outside the path, which causes fire or electrocution. 

 

However, thanks to circuit breakers and RCDs, they cut off your home’s electricity before it occurs. If your RCD keeps on triggering, it might be a good idea to consult your electrician for a maintenance checkup.

 

Malfunctioning Electrical Appliances

Besides, you can also look for malfunctioning devices. Unplugging every single electrical appliance one by one, and resetting the RCD to check which electrical appliance is faulty. The faulty appliance will cause the RCD to trip. If this does not solve the issue, then you should consult your electrician.

 

Damp or Water in Electrical Wiring

When liquids or water enter the wiring system, the RCD will trigger to keep you safe from electrocution. This usually happens in vacation homes or homes with no permanent residents, as some issues such as water leaks or poor wiring designs and considerations will lead to water entering the wiring system. 

 

Your RCD Is Low In Quality

One of the common causes of constant RCD tripping is the problem of the RCD itself – it is low in quality. RCDs should be able to resist overheating when the current passes through, and only trip when it’s deemed to do so. 

 

What Does It Mean When My RCD Trips?

A tripped RCD means that there is something wrong with the electrical circuit and it might pose a threat to your home’s safety. RCD is usually triggered when a faulty electrical appliance is connected to the power socket, and when it does, here are some things you can do: 

 

Reset The RCD

Reset the RCD by turning it on again. If it does not retrigger, then it might just be a temporary problem that does not need professional attention. If the RCD retriggers immediately, you should follow these steps: 

 

Step 1 : Turn off all the MCBs

Step 2 : Turn on the RCD switch

Step 3 : Turn on the MCBs one at a time, and check which circuit is faulty

Step 4 : Call your electrician and explain the issue.

 

Replacing Your RCD

RCD is located in the fuse. So in order to replace your RCD, make sure that all electrical loads are disconnected from the RCD. Unscrew the RCD and just remove the old one and install the new one in.

 

Conclusion

Electricity is not a fun matter, and it certainly can end badly if not treated with care. If your RCD is tripping and you are not confident in electrical matters, remember to consult your electrician, even if you know what to do. 

 

About the author

Arianna Paesano Poggi

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