Emergency Tripped RCD Repair Edinburgh
RCD safety switches that keep tripping and won't reset
Emergency Service Details
Understanding Tripped RCD and Why It Requires Immediate Professional Attention
An RCD (Residual Current Device) is a sensitive safety switch that instantly cuts power if it detects electricity flowing down an unintended path, such as through a person or to earth. Modern consumer units use RCDs to protect circuits and save lives. When an RCD trips and won't reset, or keeps tripping repeatedly, it's detecting a fault that could cause electric shock or electrocution. Never defeat or bypass an RCD - it's protecting you from potentially fatal electric shock.
Common Symptoms & Signs
- RCD switch in consumer unit keeps flipping to the "off" position
- Immediate power loss to specific circuits or entire property
- Switch won't stay in the "on" position when you try to reset it
- Tripping occurs immediately after resetting
- Tripping happens when specific appliances are plugged in or switched on
- RCD trips during wet weather (indicates possible water ingress)
- Multiple circuits losing power simultaneously
Common Causes
- Earth leakage from damaged appliance cables or plugs
- Deteriorated cable insulation allowing current to leak to earth
- Water ingress into sockets, light fittings, or outdoor electrics
- Faulty appliances with earth faults
- Damaged wiring in walls or under floors
- Loose connections in electrical accessories
- Aged RCD device requiring replacement
- Installation faults from previous DIY electrical work
What To Do Right Now - Immediate Safety Steps
- 1Do NOT keep trying to reset the RCD repeatedly
- 2Turn off all light switches and unplug all appliances on the affected circuits
- 3Try resetting the RCD once with everything disconnected
- 4If it resets successfully, plug appliances in one at a time to identify the faulty item
- 5If the RCD still trips with nothing connected, there's a wiring fault - call us immediately
- 6If it trips when a specific appliance is used, stop using that appliance and have it tested
- 7Do not use the affected circuits until professionally inspected
- 8Call 0131 3589935 for emergency RCD fault diagnosis
Specific Dangers & Risks
- Earth faults can cause fatal electric shock if RCD protection is defeated
- Damaged insulation may allow current to flow through water or metal, electrocuting anyone who touches it
- Earth leakage can cause electrical fires in concealed wiring
- Multiple earth faults increase the risk of electric shock
- Faulty RCD devices may fail to protect during a real electric shock event
- DIY attempts to bypass RCDs create lethal hazards
- Continued use of faulty circuits without RCD protection is extremely dangerous
Why Tripped RCD Is Extremely Dangerous - Do NOT Attempt DIY Repairs
RCDs are designed to prevent electric shock and electrocution. A tripping RCD is detecting dangerous earth leakage that could kill. Ignoring or bypassing RCD protection can be fatal.
If you smell burning, switch off power at the main switch immediately and call a qualified electrician. Do not attempt repairs yourself. Electrical work must be carried out by qualified, registered electricians under Part P Building Regulations. DIY electrical work is illegal, dangerous, and invalidates your home insurance.
How Our Qualified Electrician Fixes Tripped RCD Safely & Properly
We use specialized insulation resistance testing equipment to locate earth faults, repair damaged wiring or appliances, and ensure your RCD protection is working correctly.
Our Step-by-Step Professional Process:
- 1Safe isolation of circuits and testing of RCD operation
- 2Insulation resistance testing to identify earth faults
- 3Systematic testing of all circuits protected by the RCD
- 4Identification of faulty appliances or damaged wiring
- 5Repair or replacement of damaged cables and accessories
- 6RCD replacement if the device itself is faulty
- 7Full testing of all protective devices and circuits
- 8Certification and recommendations for any further work
Frequently Asked Questions About Tripped RCD
What is an RCD and why does it keep tripping?
An RCD (Residual Current Device) is a life-saving safety switch that detects when electricity is flowing where it shouldn't - such as through a person or to earth. It trips to protect you from electric shock. Repeated tripping means there's a dangerous earth fault that requires professional diagnosis. Never ignore or bypass a tripping RCD.
Can I just replace the RCD myself?
No. Working inside a consumer unit is illegal without proper qualifications and extremely dangerous. The RCD may be working correctly by detecting a genuine fault. Only a qualified electrician can safely diagnose whether the RCD is faulty or protecting you from a dangerous fault elsewhere in your electrical system.
How do I find which appliance is causing the RCD to trip?
With the RCD off, unplug ALL appliances and turn off all lights. Reset the RCD. If it stays on, plug in appliances one at a time, waiting a minute between each. If an appliance causes tripping, stop using it and have it tested. If the RCD trips with nothing connected, there's a wiring fault - call us on 0131 3589935.
Is it dangerous to keep using a circuit if the RCD keeps tripping?
Extremely dangerous. The RCD is detecting current flowing to earth - possibly through damaged wiring or appliances. Using the circuit without RCD protection could result in fatal electric shock. Always call a qualified electrician immediately if your RCD keeps tripping.
How much does it cost to fix a tripping RCD?
The cost depends on the cause. If it's a faulty appliance, you simply stop using it (free). If it's damaged wiring, costs vary based on the extent of repairs needed. Our emergency call-out is £125 (out of hours) or £95 (standard hours) for the first hour, then £85/£65 per hour. We'll diagnose the fault and provide a quote before proceeding.
Relevant Safety Regulations & Standards
All our emergency electrical work complies with current UK regulations and safety standards, including:
- BS 7671:2018 Amendment 2 (18th Edition)
- IET Wiring Regulations Section 411 (Protection against electric shock)
- Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
Learn more about electrical safety:
Prevention Tips - How To Avoid Tripped RCD Problems
- Test RCD switches monthly using the test button (should trip immediately)
- Replace appliances with damaged or worn cables immediately
- Never use electrical appliances with wet hands or in wet conditions
- Keep outdoor sockets covered and weatherproof
- Address any tingling sensations from appliances or taps immediately
- Schedule regular EICR inspections to detect deteriorating insulation
- Use RCD-protected sockets for outdoor power tools and lawnmowers
Transparent Pricing
Clear, upfront rates with no hidden charges
Standard Hours
Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm
(billed per 30 mins)
Out-of-Hours
Evenings/Weekends/Bank Holidays
(billed per 30 mins)
What's Included
- • All basic tools and testing equipment
- • Free quote for any parts needed
- • All work guaranteed
- • Work carried out to BS 7671 (18th Edition) standards
No hidden fees. We'll confirm any parts costs before work begins.
Need Emergency Help with Tripped RCD?
Don't wait - electrical emergencies can be dangerous and get worse quickly. Call now for immediate professional assistance.
Call Emergency Line: 0131 3589935