Power Keeps Tripping?

Written By Misty Chew
In a well-functioning electrical system, the current flowing into a circuit is equal to the current flowing out. If there is a sudden drop in current, or if the current starts flowing in the wrong path or direction, it means that there is a leakage somewhere. This could be due to a faulty appliance, frayed wiring, or someone coming into contact with live wires. When an RCD device detects the leakage, it will trip and cut off the power to prevent any further damage or injury or injury to persons. When your RCD turns the power off, it is doing its best to protect you from harm. You need an RCD installed in your home or workplace and you should have it tested regularly to ensure maximum protection. Grand Elite Electrical electricians are qualified to test and check your RCD's, and this is a legal requirement if you are selling your property or renting it to tenants.

What to do when the RCD has tripped?

Step 1)

  • Turn all power off from the main switch

  • Try turning the tripped RCD back on without power to it.

  • If the switch DOES NOT turn back on, then the RCD is faulty and you need to call Grand Elite Electrical for a replacement.

  • If the switch DOES go back on, then turn your main switch back on.

  • If your RCD trips again, go to Step 2.

Step 2)

  • Turn all circuit breakers associated with that RCD off.

  • Turn the RCD on

  • Turn each circuit breaker back on, one by one, till it trips; this will assist in identifying the source of the problem. Go to Step 3.

Step 3)

  • Go around your house and unplug all appliances from their power outlets.

  • A few tricky ones that people forget are fridges, freezers, dishwashers, pond pumps and other various outdoor plugs.

  • Once you think you have everything unplugged, turn your RCD back on.

  • If it trips again, call Grand Elite Electrical. If it does not trip go to Step 4.

Step 4)

  • You can now go around plugging appliances back in one by one until you find your culprit appliance causing the fault.

    However, if you find the problems still persist, call Grand Elite Electrical.

Note: If the fault is occurring on another circuit, then contact Grand Elite Electrical.

Common Faults

– Faulty Appliances such as kettles, toasters, washing machines, fridges, pond pumps

– Plugs/leads left out in the weather

–Deteriorated cabling in the switchboard/roof space

- RCD itself is faulty

– Water leaking into outdoor fittings

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I have an intermittent power tripping fault and can’t find the problem appliance, what should I do?

A: Take notes of when the RCD tripping occurs. Eg, time, weather, any other works being carried out nearby, was it turned on or off. Let us know these notes when we come to assess the problem as it may help us determine what’s wrong.

Q: How do I tell if it’s an RCD?

A: RCD’s (Safety Switches) have test buttons on the front face of them, which can be tested by you every 3-6 months just by pressing those buttons in. This will help ensure your RCD is functioning correctly.

Q: Can I just get rid of the RCD if it’s causing a problem?

A: No. Current WA Electrical Legislation demands that all circuits require RCD protection in domestic properties.

REMEMBER: Do not attempt to conduct electrical work yourself. It is dangerous and illegal. Call Grand Elite Electrical for a safe and efficient solution.
Misty Chew
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