RCD keeps tripping: what to check
By Azzeddine Kebbi, NAPIT-registered electrician and director of Kebbi Electrical Services · Updated 10 November 2026
An RCD that keeps tripping is doing its job: it has detected current leaking to earth. Here is what you can safely check, and when to call an electrician.
First, stay safe
- If you can smell burning, see smoke or scorch marks, or there is water near electrics, leave the power off and call us on 07943 951993.
- Do not tape, hold or wedge an RCD switch up.
- Do not take the cover off the consumer unit.
Checks you can do
- Is it just your home? If neighbours have no power either, it is a power cut. Call 105.
- Unplug everything on the affected circuits, including appliances that are wired in with a switch where you can switch them off.
- Reset the RCD. If it stays on, plug things back in one at a time. If it trips when a particular appliance goes back in, that appliance is the likely cause, so stop using it.
- If it trips with everything unplugged, the fault is probably in the fixed wiring, an outside light or a wired-in appliance. That needs an electrician.
Common causes
Appliances
Kettles, washing machines, dishwashers and immersion heaters with a failing element. Showers are a common culprit too: see electric shower keeps tripping.
Water
Outside lights, garden sockets and bathroom fittings where water has got in.
Damaged cables
Cables damaged by screws, nails or rodents.
Older installations
Several circuits on one RCD, so small leakages add up and cause nuisance tripping.
If your board is old and trips often, a new consumer unit with individual protection on each circuit can stop one fault taking out several circuits. What is an RCBO? See does my fuse board need replacing?
When to call us
Call if the RCD trips again with everything unplugged, trips when it rains, trips more and more often, or if anything smells hot or looks burnt. We find the fault, make it safe and give you a price for any repair. See our emergency electrician service.
Common questions
New to RCDs? Read what is an RCD.
Is it safe to keep resetting the RCD?
No. If it trips again straight away, or you can smell burning or see scorch marks, leave it off and call an electrician.
Why does my RCD trip when it rains?
Water getting into outside lights, sockets or cables is a common cause. Leave that circuit off and have it checked.
Can a faulty appliance trip the RCD?
Yes. Kettles, washing machines, dishwashers, immersion heaters and outdoor equipment are common causes.
What does an electrician do to find the fault?
We test the circuits, usually starting with insulation resistance, to find which circuit and which part of it is leaking to earth, then repair it.
Book or ask a question
Call or WhatsApp 07943 951993, or send an enquiry with your address and what you need. We confirm the price before anything is booked.