Why won't my RCD reset – Advice from Electriman, North London Electricians

## Why Won't My RCD Reset?

An RCD (Residual Current Device) is a safety switch in your consumer unit (fusebox) that trips automatically when it detects electricity leaking to earth — which could mean danger to life. When it won't reset, it almost always means **the fault is still there**. Forcing it to stay on isn't possible by design, and that's protecting you.

### What Does the RCD Actually Do?

It monitors the balance of electrical current flowing in and out of a circuit. If more than **30 milliamps** goes missing (leaking through a fault or through a person), it cuts power in under 40 milliseconds.

### Safe Checks You Can Do Yourself

- **Unplug every appliance** connected to circuits protected by the tripped RCD — including lamps, phone chargers, kettles, washing machines, and TVs

- **Switch off all lighting circuits** on the affected side if you can identify them

- **Try to reset the RCD** — push it firmly up (or press the reset button depending on your board type)

- If it holds, **plug appliances back in one at a time**, waiting a few seconds each time, until the RCD trips again — that appliance is faulty

- **Check for obvious signs** — burn marks on sockets, smell of burning, a circuit that was wet (outdoor socket after rain, kitchen splash)

### Common Causes

- A **faulty appliance** (washing machines and dishwashers are frequent offenders)

- A **damaged extension lead or adaptor**

- **Water ingress** into an outdoor socket, light fitting, or shower unit

- **Worn wiring insulation** causing an earth fault

- A **faulty RCD itself** (less common but possible)

### When You Must Call an Electrician

- The RCD **still won't reset** after unplugging everything

- It trips again **immediately** when you reset it

- You can smell burning or see scorch marks

- The fault is in a **bathroom, kitchen, or outdoor circuit**

- The RCD trips **repeatedly** over several days

**Never bypass or tape up an RCD.** It exists to prevent fatal electric shock and fire. If in doubt, leave the circuit off and call a Part P registered electrician.

Need a qualified electrician in North London? Electriman covers Mill Hill, Barnet, Finchley, Edgware, Enfield and surrounding areas. Call us on 07701 366 284 or get a free quote at www.electriman.co.uk

Need a qualified electrician in North London?

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