How to trouble Shoot a Tripped Circuit

RCD Help Guide: The steps to trouble shoot your Tripped Circuit or tripped RCD

As an electrician, I often get calls about tripped safety switches (RCDs). This issue is common in many homes. The good news is that you can often fix it yourself. In this guide, I will walk you through the troubleshooting steps.

Step 1: Identify the Cause

A tripped RCD could be from a faulty appliance or an overloaded circuit. Unplug all appliances from the affected circuit. Common culprits include kettles, toasters, and washing machines. Water exposure and damaged wiring can also cause the RCD to trip.

A tripped safety switch, circuit, RCD, or circuit breaker all refer to the same issue. People use different names, but they all indicate the same electrical problem. When a safety switch trips, your home signals that something is wrong with the electrical wiring.

Step 2: Reset the Safety Switch

Go to your switchboard and locate the tripped RCD. It will be in the “OFF” position. Push the switch back to “ON.” If it stays on, plug in each appliance one at a time. This will help identify a faulty device.

Step 3: Check for Overloads

If the switch trips again, the circuit may be overloaded. Appliances like dryers and heaters can draw a lot of power. If you use all these appliances at the same time, they may cause the circuit to trip. You could either try to avoid using all the appliances at the same time or ask you electrician for a quote to see if the power could be redistributing to different circuits. Sn some homes, this adjustment is possible, but in others, the existing electrical setup may not allow for it.

Step 4: Inspect for Faulty Appliances

Plug each appliance into a working power outlet. If one appliance causes the RCD to trip, it is likely faulty. Do not use the appliance until it has been repaired or replaced. Pay close attention to devices with exposed wires or burn marks. Do not use these appliances, they need to be checked by a qualified person or disposed of.

Step 5: Test for a Wiring Fault

If the RCD trips with nothing plugged in, there may be a wiring fault. Water damage, rodent activity, or loose connections can cause issues. Do not attempt to fix wiring issues yourself. It is best left to the experts. Call a licensed electrician.

Step 6: Call an Electrician

If you cannot identify the problem, call a licensed electrician. Electrical faults can be dangerous if left unchecked. An electrician can test your circuits and repair any hidden issues.

What is an RCD?

A tripped RCD is a safety feature that protects you from electrical hazards. Understanding how to troubleshoot the issue can save time and money. If in doubt, always seek professional help. Safety should always come first.

A tripping safety switch (RCD) should never be ignored. It serves as a protective measure, indicating that there is something not right with your electrical system. By following these detailed steps, you can isolate the issue and take corrective action. 

South Coast Electrical Solutions, your ‘southcoastsparky’ has detailed guide on what to do if your safety switch trips (RCD has tripped). Here are the steps to diagnose and fix the issue, ensuring your home remains safe and your daily routine uninterrupted.

How to trouble Shoot a Tripped Circuit. The steps to follow when a circuit breaker trips:

The Role of The Safety Switch

The role of the safety switch is to protect you from electric shock. They are designed to disconnect the power quickly (‘trip’) if an electrical fault is detected. This can happen if you have a faulty power point, faulty wiring or the electrical appliance that is being used is faulty. Safety switches are the only devices that will trip in the event of an electric shock to protect humans. Without safety switches, your switchboard has no protection against electric shock. 

You may also have RCBO (a ‘Residual Current Breaker with Overcurrent’) in your switchboard.

What is an RCBO (a ‘Residual Current Breaker with Overcurrent’) This is a combination device that incorporates a safety switch and a circuit breaker. RCBOs provide the greatest level of protection against electric shocks and the prevention of overloading the circuits.

Ensuring Electrical Safety

If you’re experiencing ongoing issues with a tripping switch, don’t hesitate to call our electricians. South Coast Electrical Solutions are trusted experts in the Batemans Bay area. We want to ensuring your electrical Safety and are ready to assist you with your switchboard needs.

Electricians Near Me

South Coast Electrical Solutions are your local electricians in the Batemans Bay area providing top quality, reliable electrical services throughout the Batemans Bay area including: