How MGB Electrical Solutions Ltd – Fulham Electrician Can Help
If you’re dealing with a constantly tripping RCD, it can be frustrating and even alarming. But rest assured, MGB Electrical Solutions Ltd – Fulham Electrician is here to help you understand the issue and provide the right solution. As a NAPIT member, JIB Gold Card holder, and Checkatrade-certified electrician, I specialise in RCD fault finding, ensuring your home or business is safe and compliant with current electrical standards.
What is an RCD?
An RCD (Residual Current Device) is a life-saving device that protects against electrical shocks. It monitors the electrical current flowing through the circuit and disconnects the supply if it detects a leakage, such as current flowing through an unintended path like a person. RCDs are required in modern consumer units, providing additional protection alongside MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers).
Common Causes for RCD Tripping
Your RCD can trip due to a variety of reasons, including:
- Wiring Faults – Damaged cables or connections that create a fault between neutral and earth can cause the RCD to trip.
- Appliance Issues – Some appliances like washing machines, ovens, or heating elements can develop earth leakage over time, triggering the RCD.
- Earth Leakage – Even without obvious faults, the cumulative earth leakage from multiple appliances or circuits can exceed the RCD’s threshold, leading to nuisance tripping.
Why RCD Tripping Often Occurs at 30mA
RCDs are typically rated to trip at 30mA of leakage current to protect against electric shock. In practice, manufacturers set the trip threshold slightly lower, around 24-25mA, to ensure safety. This means that even if multiple circuits or appliances are functioning correctly, their combined leakage might still exceed this threshold, causing the RCD to trip.
RCD vs. RCBO: What’s the Difference?
An RCD provides protection for multiple circuits by detecting leakage current, but if one circuit causes the device to trip, it affects all connected circuits. This is a common issue with Dual RCD consumer units, where 7 or 8 circuits are connected to a single RCD.
A RCBO (Residual Current Breaker with Overload Protection) combines the functionality of an RCD and an MCB into one device, providing both shock protection and overload protection for individual circuits. This means if one circuit trips, it won’t affect the others.
For better protection and to avoid frequent trips, I recommend upgrading to an RCBO consumer unit. This setup ensures each circuit has its own dedicated RCD protection, significantly reducing nuisance tripping.
How MGB Electrical Solutions – Fulham Electrician Can Help with RCD Tripping
At MGB Electrical Solutions Ltd, I specialize in diagnosing and fixing RCD-related issues. Here’s how I can assist:
- Measuring Earth Leakage I use specialized earth leakage measuring equipment to test your entire installation or individual circuits. By identifying excessive earth leakage, I can determine if the fault lies in the wiring or a specific appliance.
- Checking RCD Settings and Sensitivity I perform a ramp test to check if the RCD trips at the correct threshold, typically around 24mA. If the RCD is tripping too easily and at a lower threshold than it should, it may be faulty or overly sensitive.
- Insulation Resistance Testing Damaged or deteriorated insulation can cause RCD tripping. I conduct thorough insulation resistance tests on all circuits to verify if the wiring is in good condition or if it needs repair. [Read more about my insulation resistance testing process here.]
Why Choose MGB Electrical Solutions Ltd – Fulham Electrician?
As a Fulham-based electrician, I take pride in offering trusted, local services. I am:
- NAPIT Registered – Ensuring I follow the latest safety regulations.
- JIB Gold Card Holder – A mark of professional competence.
- Fully Insured – Giving you peace of mind when I work on your property.
- Checkatrade Member – Rated by real customers for high-quality services.
I source all of my materials from the local electrical trade counter, Electrical4Less, ensuring high-quality products for every job.
RCD Testing as Part of an EICR
During an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report), I thoroughly test your RCDs to ensure they meet current safety standards. As part of the inspection, I check for correct disconnection times, sensitivity, and overall performance of each RCD in your system. Regular RCD testing through an EICR is essential for ensuring that your electrical installation remains safe and compliant, especially in rental properties or when buying or selling a home. You can learn more about my EICR services and understand how an EICR can help maintain the safety of your property by reading post “Local Expert in EICR – Fulham Electrician“
Upgrading Fuse Board to Modern Consumer Unit
If your RCD is part of an older consumer unit, it might be time to consider upgrading to a modern one for better protection and reliability. At MGB Electrical Solutions Ltd, I often recommend Consumer Units from trusted brands like FuseBox, Hager, Live Electrical, and WCED, which are all available through my local supplier, Electrical4Less. These modern units come equipped with RCBOs and other advanced protection features, ensuring that your electrical system is safe and up to date. You can explore more about consumer units from Electrical4Less by reading “Outdated Fuse Boards? Upgrade to Safe Consumer Units Now“
FAQs: Understanding RCDs and Their Issues
A: Frequent tripping can be caused by earth leakage, faulty appliances, or wiring issues. It’s important to get a professional to test and find the root cause.
A: Yes, if your RCD is tripping at much lower levels than the standard 24-30mA, it may be too sensitive. I can perform a ramp test to determine if the RCD needs adjustment or replacement.
A: An RCD provides additional protection for multiple circuits, while an RCBO is a combination of an RCD and MCB, offering dedicated protection for individual circuits. RCBOs are recommended to avoid frequent tripping caused by multiple circuits sharing one RCD.
A: I use specialised equipment to measure how much current is leaking to the earth from the whole installation or a specific circuit. This helps me identify the source of the leakage.
A: Insulation resistance testing checks if your wiring is intact and safe. It helps prevent RCD tripping caused by faulty or degraded insulation.
For all your RCD issues and electrical needs, contact MGB Electrical Solutions Ltd – Fulham Electrician. I’m a local expert, and I’ll ensure your electrical system is working safely and efficiently.
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