Why Does My RCD Keep Tripping?
For an RCD in the consumer unit that switches off repeatedly, immediately after reset or whenever a particular appliance or part of the home is used.
What this usually means
An RCD is supposed to switch the power off when it detects certain electrical faults. If it keeps tripping, treat that as a warning rather than a nuisance to bypass. The fault may be in an appliance, a circuit or the wiring itself. You can safely note what was running and unplug an obviously suspect portable appliance if everything is dry and undamaged, but repeated RCD tripping should be investigated by a registered electrician.
What may be causing this
A faulty appliance is leaking current
Clues: The RCD trips when the same kettle, washing machine, outdoor tool or other appliance is switched on or plugged in. The appliance may also show damage, heat, burning smells or moisture.
What to do: Stop using the suspect appliance and unplug it only if the plug and area are dry, cool and undamaged. Have the appliance repaired/replaced and the installation checked if the tripping continues.
A fault in a circuit or the fixed wiring
Clues: The RCD trips without one obvious appliance, affects a particular area of the home, or trips again after portable appliances are removed.
What to do: A registered electrician needs to test the circuits and insulation properly. Do not open sockets, junctions or the consumer unit to look for the fault yourself.
Moisture is reaching electrical equipment or wiring
Clues: Tripping follows rain, a plumbing leak, condensation, an outdoor circuit being used, or a damp appliance area.
What to do: Stop using the affected circuit or equipment and deal with the moisture source. Water and electrical faults together need professional investigation.
The RCD itself may be faulty
Clues: It trips frequently even after faults and appliances have been ruled out, or its test mechanism does not behave normally.
What to do: The protective device should be tested by a competent electrician. Do not bypass it or replace it with a different device yourself.
How to check what is happening
That appliance is a useful suspect, although an electrician may still need to confirm whether the appliance or circuit is at fault.
Stop using that equipment. These are warning signs, not reasons to keep resetting the RCD.
Moisture ingress may be contributing, especially to outdoor sockets, lighting, pumps or equipment.
A fixed-wiring or circuit fault becomes more likely and needs proper electrical test equipment to diagnose.
Can you fix this yourself?
There is no safe DIY electrical repair in this guide. The homeowner checks are limited to observing the pattern and, if safe, unplugging a clearly suspect portable appliance. Electrical Safety First advises getting a registered electrician to investigate an RCD that keeps tripping.
What you can safely try
- 1
Do not keep resetting the RCD over and over
A repeated trip means the protective device is seeing a fault condition. Continually forcing the supply back on can hide the pattern and may repeatedly energise faulty equipment.
- 2
Write down what was running at the moment it tripped
Note the appliance, room, weather and what you had just switched on. If one portable appliance is an obvious trigger, stop using it and unplug it only if the plug and surrounding area are safe and dry.
- 3
Look only for visible warning signs
From the outside, check plugs, flexes, sockets and appliances for burning, cracking, heat or moisture. Do not remove covers or touch wiring.
- 4
Mention any rain or moisture pattern to the electrician
If the RCD trips after rain, during a leak or when outdoor equipment is used, tell the electrician. That timing can narrow the investigation considerably.
- 5
Arrange proper electrical testing
A registered electrician can separate an appliance fault from a circuit, wiring or RCD fault using appropriate test equipment. That is the correct next step when tripping is repeated or unexplained.
Call an electrician if…
- The RCD trips repeatedly or will not stay on.
- There is burning, smoke, crackling, excessive heat or visible damage.
- Water, damp or a plumbing leak is near electrical equipment or wiring.
- Anyone has received an electric shock.
- You would need to open the consumer unit, socket, appliance or wiring to continue diagnosing.
Get the right electrician.
We already know this problem maps primarily to an electrician. Choose the closest type of work, add your postcode and continue in the form.
Sources used for this guide
We prefer primary UK guidance, regulators and manufacturers for technical and safety-sensitive claims.
- FAQ for Electrical Safety — If my RCD keeps tripping, what action is required?Electrical Safety First
- Work using electrically powered equipment — Residual Current DevicesHealth and Safety Executive
- Electrical Safety Advice for DIY-ersElectrical Safety First
Last reviewed: 30 August 2026. Home Manual updates review dates only when the substance of a guide is checked or changed.