Experiencing electrical faults in your home in Leeds can be frustrating, but with a bit of knowledge and patience, you can often identify and resolve the underlying electrical fault sometimes without the need of a qualified and registered electrician. Here’s how:
Understanding your fuseboard and the RCD
- Familiarise yourself with the location of your Leeds home's fuseboard, you may have more than one. You may also need to familiarise yourself with the fuseboard itself.
- Now you need to locate the RCD unit within the fuseboard. This should be labelled RCD and should also have a test button on the front of it. If your fuseboard does not have an RCD you should contact your local, qualified and registered electrician.
- Also note that some RCD devices are built into each individual fuse itself. If this is the case, then all circuits will have test buttons on the front of them.
Identify the Trigger
Now take note of which RCD unit has tripped. There could be 2 RCD units or, as explained above, all circuits have it built in. each RCD unit will protect an individual circuit or a set of circuits to the left or right of the unit. If your fuseboard is labelled this will help identify what might be causing it to trip.
Removing the potential fault
- If you have separate RCD units you can start by switching OFF all circuits associated with that particular RCD. Now reset the RCD unit. Now the unit is reset turn each individual circuit back ON one at a time allowing a slight pause in between turning each circuit on. The affected circuit will trip the RCD and now you can start to identify the cause.
- If the circuit affected is a socket circuit, usually a 32amp fuse, you can start to unplug all appliances from the socket outlets, you need to physically remove them from the socket.
- If the circuit is a lighting circuit, usually a 6amp or 10amp fuse, then you need to switch all light switches into the opposite direction to what they are currently at.
Reset the RCD
After unplugging and switching everything off, reset the RCD or individual fuse by switching it back on. If it stays on without tripping, one of the unplugged devices or light fittings may be faulty.
Isolate Circuits
If the RCD trips immediately after resetting, then there may be an issue with the electrical wiring and you should contact your local, qualified and registered electrician.
Inspect Wiring and Outlets
You can also visually inspect electrical outlets, switches, and wiring for signs of damage, wear, or loose connections. Look for scorch marks, exposed wires, or unusual odours like burning smells.
Test Appliances
Once all this is done you can gradually reconnect appliances and devices or switch on light switches one at a time. If the RCD trips when a particular appliance is plugged in or light fitting switched on, then that appliance or light fitting may be faulty and require repair or replacement.
Check for Water Intrusion
Moisture and water intrusion can also cause electrical faults and RCD trips, especially in areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces. Inspect for any equipment for signs of water damage near electrical outlets or fixtures.
Call a Professional
If you’re unable to identify or resolve the electrical fault on your own, or if you’re uncomfortable working with electricity, it’s best to call a qualified and registered electrician.
Remember, safety should always be your top priority when dealing with electrical faults. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable performing any troubleshooting steps, don’t hesitate to contact us here at Duravault, Leeds- we are your local, qualified and registered electrician. By using the steps above and taking extra care when doing so, you can often identify and rectify electrical faults that cause RCD trips in your home in Leeds.
