Electrical Tips
A few tips and helpful suggestions from the team at BBD
RCD TRIP!
We’ve all had it. You get home from work and half of your lights and sockets don’t work, and you have no idea why. What’s the cause?
You most likely have a fault somewhere in the installation causing an RCD trip – in plain language, one of the switches has tripped at the fuse box.
Generally, it will be because of faulty equipment in the house. Fridges, washing machines, tumble dryers are prime suspects. Equipment outside, vulnerable to water penetration, such as outside sockets and lights, or even pumps in fish ponds, can also be likely culprits.
On rarer occasions you may have an actual circuit fault – that is, a fault in the wiring in the house that will need some repair or rerunning. This is the worst case scenario.
Here are a few steps to trying to diagnose the fault for yourself and hopefully avoid having to call us out!
1. Identify the tripped RCD: Check your consumer unit or RCD breaker panel to find the RCD that’s tripped.
2. First, tour the house, and unplug absolutely everything. Fridges, hairdryers, radios, dishwashers.
3. Once this is done, attempt to reset the problem RCD. If the RCD holds, go round the house plugging things back in. If the RCD should trip again – the appliance or device you have just plugged in is under suspicion! Unplug it again, leave it unplugged, and reset the RCD. If you can now successfully reset your RCD, then you have identified the problem. Try and reproduce the fuse trip by plugging in the suspect device. If it trips the system again, you have it identified. Depending on the device, either dispose of it, or call the appropriate repair engineer.
4. Just once, press the RCD test button to check it is working correctly. Reset.
4. If despite all above, the RCD still will not reset – then give us a call on 0203 597 3522. If we can’t help you through it on the phone, then we will need to come out and see you.
Over and above – here’s a few other tips to keep you electrically safe and secure…
1. Don’t overload outlets: Avoid using too many extension cords or plugging too many devices into one outlet.
2. Check cords and cables: Regularly inspect cords and cables for damage, fraying, or wear.
3. Keep water away: Keep water away from electrical appliances and outlets to prevent shocks. Check outside lights and sockets for water penetration when you are doing the gardening. It only takes a minute and could spare you an inconvenient fuse trip at a later date!
4. Use surge protectors: Use surge protectors to protect electronics from power surges.
5. Turn off lights and appliances: Turn off lights and appliances when not in use to save energy.
6. Don’t DIY electrical work: Hire a licensed electrician for electrical work to ensure safety.
7. Check circuit breakers: Familiarize yourself with your consumer unit and reset breakers safely.
