Is it safe to keep resetting an RCD?

You can reset an RCD once to try to restore power, but if it trips again you should find and fix the cause before resetting again. Repeatedly resetting an RCD doesn't fix the underlying problem and could be dangerous if there's a serious fault. Call FE Maintenance on 020 8445 1303.

Why does my RCD trip at night or randomly?

Random RCD tripping often indicates a fault that gets worse when the system is warm or under load — such as deteriorating cable insulation or a component in an appliance breaking down. It can also be caused by moisture in outdoor sockets or garden lighting. Call FE Maintenance for investigation.

My RCD trips when it rains — what's wrong?

Tripping in wet weather usually indicates water ingress into an outdoor socket, garden light, or external cabling. This is a potentially dangerous fault — water and electricity don't mix. Turn off the outdoor circuit at the consumer unit and call FE Maintenance on 020 8445 1303.

Can an RCD wear out and trip for no reason?

RCDs can become oversensitive over time and trip at lower fault currents than they should, causing nuisance tripping. If your RCD trips with no obvious cause and you've ruled out all appliances, the RCD itself may need testing and replacing. This is a straightforward job for FE Maintenance.

How much does it cost to fix a tripping RCD?

If the cause is a faulty appliance, you just need to replace the appliance. If the RCD itself or the wiring is faulty, our emergency call-out is from £99 and we give you a fixed price before any repair. If the consumer unit needs upgrading, a replacement in London typically costs £700-£1,200. FE Maintenance will give you a fixed quote — call 020 8445 1303.

RCD Keeps Tripping? Causes & Fixes | FE Maintenance London

⚡ What is an RCD and Why Does It Trip?

An RCD (Residual Current Device) is a safety device in your consumer unit (fuse box) that instantly disconnects power if it detects a leakage current — protecting you from electric shocks and preventing fires.

An RCD trips when it detects electricity going somewhere it shouldn't — such as through a person, a faulty appliance, or damaged wiring.

RCDs save lives. If your RCD trips, something has caused it to trip — it's not a fault with the RCD itself (usually). Find and fix the underlying cause.

🔍 How to Find Which Circuit is Tripping Your RCD

Step 1 — Note what was happening when it tripped

Was it when you switched something on? Turned the kettle on? Stepped out of the shower? This gives a big clue.

Step 2 — Identify which RCD tripped

Modern consumer units have two RCDs covering different circuits. The one that's tripped will be in the down position.

Sockets dead but nothing has tripped? See no power to some sockets.

Step 3 — Isolate circuits one by one

Turn off all the MCBs (individual circuit breakers) under the tripped RCD
Reset the RCD — it should stay up now
Turn MCBs back on one at a time
When the RCD trips again, the last MCB you turned on is the faulty circuit

Step 4 — Identify the faulty appliance

Unplug everything on the faulty circuit, reset the RCD, then plug appliances back in one by one until it trips again — that's your faulty appliance.

🏠 Common Causes of RCD Tripping

Cause	When it Trips	Fix
Faulty appliance	When appliance is plugged in/switched on	Replace appliance
Damaged extension lead	When lead is plugged in	Replace lead
Water in sockets/fittings	Often in bathroom/kitchen circuits	Dry out, call electrician
Damaged wiring	Randomly or when circuit is loaded	Electrician required
Faulty RCD itself	Trips with no load at all	Replace RCD
Old wiring (no insulation)	When circuits are loaded	Rewire required

If your RCD trips even with all MCBs off, the RCD itself may be faulty and needs replacing. Call FE Maintenance on 020 8445 1303.

Frequently Asked Questions

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