The RCD keeps tripping: what to do
When the RCD trips it's doing its job: protecting against a current leak. With an orderly method you can almost always find the culprit yourself.
RCD or circuit breaker?
The panel has two types of switch. The RCD (safety switch) has a test button and trips on leaks. The circuit breaker trips on overload (too many appliances at once).
The elimination method
- Switch off all the secondary breakers (the individual circuits).
- Reset the RCD: now it should stay up.
- Switch on one circuit at a time, waiting a few seconds.
- When the RCD trips again, you've found the faulty circuit.
Finding the appliance
On the guilty circuit, unplug appliances one by one and try again. Often it's an old appliance, a heating element (water heater, washing machine) or a faulty power supply.
When to call an electrician
If the RCD trips even with all circuits off, or trips immediately with nothing plugged in, the problem is in the wiring: you need a technician. Never bypass the RCD.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the RCD keep tripping?
Because of a current leak: an appliance or a section of wiring is leaking to earth. The elimination method finds the circuit.
How do I find the faulty appliance?
Switch off all circuits, turn them back on one at a time until it trips, then unplug that circuit's appliances one by one.
Is it dangerous if it trips often?
Tripping is a protection, not a danger. Disabling it would be dangerous: it signals a real fault to find.
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