Why does the RCD work and what should I do in this case?

How does the device work?

So, first we will understand with the principle of the operation of the protective automatics, so that you understand what triggers the trigger.

The internal mechanism has the following operating principle: a phase and a neutral conductor are connected to the terminals, which are compared with each other in terms of current. Ideally, there should be no difference between the phase current and the zero conductor. If the difference exists and it is higher than the setpoint, it is a signal that a current leakage occurs. On the basis of the analysis, the unit is turned off, after which it is immediately necessary to search for the reason for which the RCD is working - to find a leakage current.

We advise you to watch the video, which is explained in detail:

The main reasons for the shutdown

Actually, the perpetrators of the trigger are very many and they can have the most diverse character, and accordingly the method of repair. First, we will consider why the RCD works, after which we will provide you with an instruction on self-repair of malfunctions.

To date, the following reasons are known for why the product is knocked out:

1. The network has actually experienced a current leak. This can be caused by the fact that the wiring is old, becausethe insulation in any case has already dried up over time and in some areas the wire is bare. If you have recently replaced the electrical wiring in the apartment, it may be in some places performed a poor connection of wires or you accidentally, when driving a nail into the wall, broke through the insulation of the hidden wiring.
2. The electric appliances which are protected by the given device can become the culprit. Here, either the cord that connects to the network is out of order, or the internal parts are "punctured"( for example, the motor winding).
3. Incorrect installation of the protective automatics, as a result of which the RCD operates incorrectly and periodically operates. We already provided the instruction on the correct connection of the RCD with our own hands, so we recommend that you read it.
4. Probably, when purchasing a protective automatics you have selected the wrong characteristics, and a false alarm occurs. We discussed in detail how to choose the RCDs in the corresponding article.
5. The differential current switch( DVT, so it is also called) can be knocked out due to a person touching a bare live conductor. Do not forget that this is what his main purpose is.
6. The malfunction of the mechanism itself can be one of the reasons. For example, the "Test" button is lapped or the trigger is damaged, which will trigger at the slightest vibration.
7. Often the trip occurs due to an incorrect placement of the DVT in the wiring line. Look at one example: a circuit for connecting a RCD in a single-phase network to find out where to install.
8. Closing ground and zero during electrical installation work may result in a shutdown. Although the rules of the EAE are categorically forbidden to connect the ground to a neutral conductor, some electricians disregard the prohibitions and do everything in their own way, referring to the fact that this method will protect a person from electric shock( although in fact this only increases the danger).
9. Weather conditions directly affect the performance of the device. For example, in wet weather, if the switchboard is installed on the street, there may be a trigger due to the appearance of damp in the internal mechanism. In turn, the accumulation of moisture inside the product can cause a leakage current, as a result of which the mechanism will react. It should also be noted that in the cold, the RCD may sometimes not turn on in a dangerous situation. This is due to the fact that the minus temperature adversely affects the chips, which are out of order. By the way, when there is a thunder-storm, there are cases when the protection is cut down, which is caused by the lightning effect, which increases the minor current leaks present in the house( or apartment)
10. . And the last nuance, which is closely related to the previous one, is high humidity. If you have installed the concealed wiring, then plastered the track with putty and decided to immediately check the quality of the work done, there may be a trip. This is due to the fact that the wet solution is a good conductor, which can trigger a leak through the smallest cracks in the wiring. Wait until the solution is fully seized, then check again, if the RCD trips or not,probably already the lever does not cut down.

Be sure to watch the video lesson, which clearly shows the wrong connection :

What could be the reason for the trip-out device operation, we considered. Now, of course, we need to provide you with instructions for solving the problem with your own hands.

How to find a problem site?

In order to find the reason why the RCD works, it is necessary to perform the following set of measures:

1. Check the wiring diagram, as well as the correctness of the I / O of the cores.the main reason for the failure is the wrong wiring.
2. Disconnect circuit breakers and differential current protection on each group of wires: lighting, sockets, powerful household appliances and, for example, a bathroom.
3. With AV off, try to turn on leakage protection, if the lever knocks out, then the problem in the product itself is the trigger mechanism, aswhen the electricity is turned off, there are no leakage currents. If the lever does not work, go ahead.
4. Disconnect all electrical appliances from the sockets and turn the power on again. The lever did not recline; it is a problem in electrical equipment.without load everything works, the RCD works - the wiring is guilty.

What should I do to troubleshoot?

So, to find a faulty home appliances, you must first disconnect all devices, then alternately connect each. So you will definitely find a broken unit, after all, when it is connected, it will trigger. Instructions for repair and maintenance of equipment we consider in a separate section, in which you can find out how to repair the dishwasher and other devices yourself. Most often, the RCD is knocked out when the washing machine, oven and water heater( boiler) are connected. Do not want to look for breakdowns yourself, better call the master.

In the event that the reason for the operation of the RCD is wiring, things are more complicated. If the line is old, it is better to replace the electrical wiring in the house with a new, more reliable one.

As we have already mentioned, even a new wiring may leak, as a result of which the RCD works. In this case, make a complete revision of the sockets, switches and junction boxes, ascan be simply dropped off the zero conductor in the joint or somewhere the moisture gets on the bare wire. Pay attention to whether the product turns off when the light is turned on, becausefixtures are also often the cause. After checking all electrical points in the apartment, check the cable route itself. Well, if the electrical wiring is open type( for example, in a garage or a wooden house), becauseAccess will be open across the entire area of ​​the rooms. If the cable is hidden in the wall, it can be found only by a special device for searching the wiring. When you use it, you can precisely locate the cliff site.

We draw your attention to the fact that the search for the reason, due to which the RCD works, is not an easy task. To do this, you have to spend a lot of time and nerves, conducting long-term visual studies. We wish you not to face this problem, and if it affects you - only for the simplest reason!

Also read:

• How to make grounding in a private house
• Installing an
• circuit breaker What is better to choose: Differential or RCD
• How to find a short circuit in the