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An RCD that trips again (and again) after reset is a ‘constantly tripping RCD’. The problem is unlikely to be the RCD. The problem is most likely an electrical appliance causing the RCD to trip; the RCD is ‘doing its job’; the RCD is removing the supply to an unsafe electrical circuit.
What Causes An RCD To Trip?
The approach is to remove (disconnect) as many electrical appliances from the circuit as possible and then connect them back into the circuit one at a time. The faulty appliance will cause the RCD to trip; this shows the homeowner which appliance is faulty (causing the RCD to trip).
Start by removing (unplug) all electrical appliances. If it is not possible to unplug an appliance, turn the appliance off.
After unplugging all appliances, or turning them off, see if the RCD will reset. If the RCD will reset, the fault is with one of the appliances; if the RCD trips again the fault is with the electrical circuit.
Plug each appliance in one at a time. After plugging the appliance in, or turning an appliance on, reset the RCD; keep plugging the appliances in, and resetting the RCD, until the RCD trips.
Connecting the appliances one at a time, and resetting the RCD in-between, shows which appliance is causing the RCD to trip. If you find the suspected faulty appliance it should be repaired, or replaced.
Plugging each appliance in one at a time is not a100% guarantee of finding the faulty appliance; it is the best way, but not a 100% guarantee. Certain ‘cause\effect’ situations can suggest a, say, faulty kettle when the real problem is, say, a faulty cook top.
If the faulty appliance is cheap to replace, for instance a kettle, replacing the appliance is cheaper than calling a qualified electrician to look into the problem further. If replacing the cheap appliance does not allow the RCD to be reset call MORGAN ELECTRICAL to provide expert advice and service.
Find, Reset & Investigate Tripping RCDs
Have you checked your safety switch?
In case of faulty appliances or wiring, a safety switch will disconnect the power in your home and save you from a potentially fatal electric shock.
For this reason, it is imperative that you have a working safety switch protecting you and your family. It is recommended that you test your safety switch once a month to ensure it is in working order.
To test your safety switch, simply open your electrical switchboard, locate your safety switch and push the test button. If the safety switch is working then it will disconnect the power to your home and then you can manually switch it back on. However if it does not switch off automatically, then you should contact MORGAN ELECTRICAL to arrange an inspection and replacement of the faulty unit.
Have you checked your smoke alarm?
New Rules for 2017
Good quality smoke alarms typically operate from the mains voltage supply, but they also contain a backup battery which allows the alarm to remain operational even when the power is cut during a blackout.
Like all battery operated appliances, your smoke alarm battery must be checked regularly to make sure that it will still function if there is a fire. It is important that you check your battery condition regularly to ensure the best protection for you, your family and your home.
Test and maintain your smoke alarms – monthly
It's recommended that you test your smoke alarm and battery back-up, once a month. This ensures your smoke alarms are always in working order. Press and hold the Test/Hush button on the unit, or activate using a remote wall switch (available on some models). This should be done with the mains power switched OFF (turn off the lighting circuit at the switchboard).
The alarm should sound, indicating the battery condition is acceptable. If the unit fails to respond, the battery should be replaced without delay.
Ensure to clean the alarm from dust or insect ingress, each month, to avoid any unwanted false alarm.
Replace battery – yearly
Replace smoke alarm unit – every 10 years
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