Unit 2, 1 Annan Business Park, Annan DG12 6TZ
Unit 2, 1 Annan Business Park, Annan DG12 6TZ
There’s nothing more frustrating than going to boil the kettle or flick on the lights, only to find the power’s gone again. It always happens at the worst time too.
There’s nothing more frustrating than going to boil the kettle or flick on the lights, only to find the power’s gone again. It always happens at the worst time too. But, rest assured, if your RCD switch keeps tripping, you’re not alone. RCD tripping is a common issue in homes and businesses across the UK.
As local electricians, we’re often asked: "Why does my RCD keep tripping?" and more importantly, "What can I do about it?". But we know better than anyone that you need a quick fix when fault occurs, without always calling in the big guns.
In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what a residual current device (RCD) is, why it trips, how to spot the cause, and when to give us a ring.
RCD stands for Residual Current Device, it’s a clever bit of kit designed to keep you safe by cutting off the electricity supply when it detects something’s not quite right.
RCD controlled circuits are safety devices that monitor the flow of electricity between the live and neutral wires. If there’s even a small leak (say, through a faulty appliance or damp socket), the RCD circuit breaker cuts the power in milliseconds. In short, they're simply reducing the risk of electric shock or other electrical safety concerns.
It’s worth noting that an RCD is different from an MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker). MCBs trip when a circuit is overloaded or short-circuited. RCDs, however, trip when there’s a leakage to earth. RCD tripping is a sign that current’s going somewhere it shouldn’t.
Let’s break it down. Here are the usual suspects when you have a residual current device tripped:
A single dodgy appliance is the most common reason an RCD switch keeps tripping. Think washing machines, kettles, fridges, freezers. Essentially any piece of electrical equipment with heating elements or motors.
Even new appliances can leak a small amount of current. It’s when this leakage builds up across several devices that your RCD controlled circuits call it quits.
These are often the culprits when customers ask, “Why does my RCD keep tripping?”. These should be your first port of call.
Washing machines: faulty heating elements, worn pumps, damaged motors.
Ovens: loose wiring, failed fans, or burned-out elements can all cause tripping.
Plugging in too many things on one circuit? Your RCD might see that as a threat. Kitchens, home offices, and extensions are common trouble spots.
Damp outdoor sockets, bathroom electrics, or garden lights with poor sealing? Moisture is a big trigger for RCD tripping. After heavy rain, it’s not unusual to see an RCD circuit breaker trip out.
Frayed cables, DIY electrical wiring jobs gone wrong, or gnawed wires (cheers, mice) can all cause a residual current device tripped situation. Older homes are especially at risk. In this case, you may need to turn to qualified electricians for a rewire.
Even healthy appliances can leak tiny amounts of current. Over time, those little leaks across multiple devices can exceed the RCD’s threshold and cause it to trip due to an earth fault.
Not all RCDs have the same quality. Some types of RCD, cheap ones specifically, are overly sensitive or simply wear out. If your RCD switch keeps tripping for no obvious reason, it may be time for a replacement to avoid constant, nuisance tripping.
Before you panic, here’s how to test safely, whilst protecting against electric shock:
- Unplug everything on the affected circuit.
- Reset the RCD switch.
- Plug appliances back in one at a time.
- If the RCD trips again, you’ve likely found the culprit.
If it trips even with everything unplugged, the problem is likely wiring, damp, or the RCD itself. That’s when it’s time to call in a qualified local electrician, like DRW.
Call in the pros if:
- The RCD switch keeps tripping with everything unplugged.
- You suspect rodent damage or water ingress.
- Your RCD or fuse board is over 10 years old.
- You want to upgrade your system to modern RCD protection.
We carry out emergency electrician services, including fault-finding across Dumfries, Galloway, the Borders and Cumbria – quickly and safely. And the sooner you get us in to fix the problem, the sooner you'll be spending significantly less time with your RCD.
Absolutely. If your RCD’s faulty or outdated, upgrading to a modern unit can make a huge difference. At DRW, we can also check whether the RCD rating suits your home’s load, as some older boards don’t support today’s gadget-filled lives. Then we can figure out whether it's time to upgrade, or we can hold on for now.
Keep appliances well-maintained and think about regularly testing, a PAT test helps for example.
- Avoid overloading sockets or extensions.
- Keep outdoor and bathroom electrics dry and up to standard.
- Book an electrical inspection every 5–10 years (or every 5 years if you’re a landlord).
If your RCD switch keeps tripping, it’s not just annoying – it’s trying to tell you something’s up. From a dodgy toaster to a moisture-riddled garden light, finding the root cause can be tricky without the right tools.
We’re here to help. Whether you’re worried about RCD tripping or just want a quick check of your RCD controlled circuits, give DRW Electrical a call. We’ll get your power back on, and keep it that way.
You might be wondering how RDC tripping could happen at night, when you’re sound asleep with most things switched off. So, turn to electrical appliances that always run. It could be your fridge/freezer cycling, dampness settling in outdoor fixtures, or even heating systems on a timer.
Yes, lighting circuits can definitely cause RCD tripping. Particularly if you’ve got water getting into fittings or damaged cables.
It may be harder to find the answer to your ever painful question ‘why does my RCD keep tripping?’ when there seems to be no rhyme or reason. Sometimes it seems to be your washer, other times you can go without an issue. However, your RCD circuit breaker may only trip when the appliance enters certain cycles, like heating or spinning.
Potentially, yes. It’s doing its job – so don’t ignore it. It could be saving you from electric shock or fire.
At DRW Electrical Services, we bring over 25 years of expertise to every project, ensuring top-notch solutions across a wide range of electrical services. From cutting-edge renewable energy systems to comprehensive commercial and domestic electrical installations, our team of specialists is here to meet all your needs.
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