How do I know if my RCD is faulty or leaking – Advice from Electriman, North London Electricians

## How to Tell If Your RCD Is Faulty or Leaking

Your RCD (Residual Current Device) is one of the most important safety devices in your home. It's designed to cut power within milliseconds if it detects electricity leaking to earth — protecting you from electric shock and fire. But like any electrical component, RCDs can develop faults or degrade over time.

### What Does a 'Leaking' RCD Mean?

When electricians talk about an RCD 'leaking', they usually mean the device is detecting small, unwanted leakage currents on a circuit — often from ageing appliances, long cable runs, or damp — and tripping unnecessarily. This is different from the RCD itself being faulty.

### Warning Signs Your RCD May Be Faulty

- **The TEST button doesn't trip the device** when pressed — this is the clearest sign of a fault

- **The RCD won't reset** after tripping — it springs back to the off position immediately

- **Nuisance tripping** — the RCD trips repeatedly with no obvious cause

- **The RCD trips as soon as a specific appliance is plugged in** — this usually means the appliance is faulty, not the RCD

- **Visible signs of damage** — burn marks, discolouration, or a cracked casing

- **The device is over 10–15 years old** — RCDs do degrade with age

### What You Can Safely Check Yourself

1. **Press the TEST button** on the RCD (usually labelled 'T' or 'TEST') — it should trip instantly and cut the power to that circuit

2. **Reset the RCD** by fl

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Electriman covers Mill Hill, Barnet, Finchley, Edgware, Enfield, Watford and surrounding areas. All work is Part P certified and fully insured.