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RCD Resetting

Former Community Member
Former Community Member
I had an appliance trip an rcd, it took several attempts to find the offending item, but does trying to reset the RCD while there is still a fault cause any damage to the RCD?
  • 0
    Generally a few resets is perfectly fine, but if the contacts are opening against a high current fault, then they will burn to a degree. Interrupting currents at or near the maximum rating is to be avoided if possible.

    Mike
  • Former Community Member
    0 Former Community Member
    I don’t know why but I tried to switch the RCD on without finding the fault, Hence it would not reset.
    Then I panicked that I may have damaged the RCD!

    Now my heater is broken and my pride    ?

  • 0
    Some designs of breaker do feel 'broken' if you try and close the contacts into a fault, as the design prevents power being forced on by a ham fisted operator or wedged with matchsticks or something.

    The give away is that it feels OK again once the fault is removed.

    Mike.
  • Former Community Member
    0 Former Community Member
    mapj1:

    Some designs of breaker do feel 'broken' if you try and close the contacts into a fault, as the design prevents power being forced on by a ham fisted operator or wedged with matchsticks or something.

    The give away is that it feels OK again once the fault is removed.

    Mike.


    The RCD reset when the offending appliance was unplugged, and functioned on the test button.


    So I presume the RCD is still ok and safe even after my rather ham fisted moment!


  • 0
    Ralph_W:The RCD reset when the offending appliance was unplugged, and functioned on the test button.



    So I presume the RCD is still ok and safe even after my rather ham fisted moment!




    I think perfectly reasonable to try resetting at least once. Father taught me never to replace a fuse (wire) without first investigating the cause of the blow, but of course replacing a fuse is more bother than simply closing an RCD or MCB.


    As Mike says, what you should not do is try to hold it in the closed position; but I think that you are far too sensible to do that.


    It is good that the test button is still working. I would not worry about it, but if it still troubles you, what will you do? Get your local friendly sparks to test the RCD to make sure that it trips appropriately, or replace the darned thing?


  • 0
    It should be fine... if you look at the CCU's cover it will have a sticker there... it will read about how many times, per year, you should 'test' the RCD BUT, no one does this, as far as I know and most people don't even know it's there!


    Good luck!


    Tom
  • 0
    I`d feel happier if it was properly tested(metered tests) at least a couple of times.

    If it were mine I`d do Auto, X 2, Ramp, leave it a few mins then repeat and of course the test buttons.

    I have seen some go askew after tripping
  • Former Community Member
    0 Former Community Member
    ebee:

    I`d feel happier if it was properly tested(metered tests) at least a couple of times.

    If it were mine I`d do Auto, X 2, Ramp, leave it a few mins then repeat and of course the test buttons.

    I have seen some go askew after tripping


    It was a new install and tested last October, its tripped twice since it was installed. (oven failed, and yesterdays episode)


    Surely they should be expected to perform even after a trip, most people just reset and forget?  


  • 0
    Ralph_W:
    ebee:

    I`d feel happier if it was properly tested(metered tests) at least a couple of times.

    If it were mine I`d do Auto, X 2, Ramp, leave it a few mins then repeat and of course the test buttons.

    I have seen some go askew after tripping


    It was a new install and tested last October, its tripped twice since it was installed. (oven failed, and yesterdays episode)


    Surely they should be expected to perform even after a trip, most people just reset and forget?  




    The reliability and dependability of R.C.D.s is down to build quality.


    Z.


  • 0
    Ralph_W:
    ebee:

    I`d feel happier if it was properly tested(metered tests) at least a couple of times.

    If it were mine I`d do Auto, X 2, Ramp, leave it a few mins then repeat and of course the test buttons.

    I have seen some go askew after tripping


    It was a new install and tested last October, its tripped twice since it was installed. (oven failed, and yesterdays episode)


    Surely they should be expected to perform even after a trip, most people just reset and forget?  




    It is practically brand new so stop worrying about it! ?


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