RCD tripping.

[hoppy]

Scenario is a split board, one side standard main 100A switch, the other is RCD protected circuits.

On the rcd side is up & down ring, cooker and shower.

The RCD keeps tripping but only when the dryer is on in the kitchen.

So either it is the dryer or the sockets behind the dryer, as sometimes when you open the back door right next to the dryer it does not trip out when it is on. There is a bit of a rattling noise in the back of the dryer when it is on.

The dryer may work fo like half an hour before the RCD trips, it is never straight away, it always works for a bit.

Am going to have a look later but just wanted some advice first.

My first thoughts are ther is a fault with the dryer?

But could there be an issue with the sockets behind the dryer, like condensation or something like a trapped cable?

There are other things plugged into the 2 double sockets behind the dryer, and an fcu feeding an outside light? But it only trips when the dryer is on.

:|

Any ideas guys on what could be causing the RCD to trip?

 

[Andy™]

id guess something with the dryer. possibly the motor on its way out and leaking to earth.

 

[hoppy]

Thanks Andy, my first thoughts are the dryer, as it apparently has a rattling noise when in motion.

 

[Bacon]

Usally the first signs of a microwave on the way out aswell.

 

[SPECIAL LOCATION]

If its a cheeapo socket outlet that its plugged into, could also be something warming up inside the socket itself.

e.g. due to loose connections, screw or the springy contacts that actually touch the switch.

Had one a couple of months back with a dishwasher,

socket had heated & cooled during the run cycle of the DW,

while cold power resets all starts ok..

after running for a while socket warms up.. RCD trips!!

changed the socket outlet let all OK!

(the rocket switch on the faulty socket would no longer move due to melting!)

How old is the dryer?

Also easy way to check the Dryer... Plug it in a different socket!

IMHO

Tumble driers are less prone to tripping RCDs than Washing machine / Dishwashers etc.. cuz they don't actually have a water feed going to them.

BUT they are generally much higher power for longer periods due to the heating required, thus if a bad joint at socket, or along the circuit, added power/heat can cause problems around the cable terminations.

 

[hoppy]

Thanks Special, the dryer is about 4 years old, and the socket is a cheapo white one.

The socket was only installed about 3 months ago, - basically a spur off a ring to 13A FCU, two double sockets off this, and a 3 amp FCU off the 2nd socket for an outside light.

Washing machine, fridge and dryer plugged in. But washing machine works fine, never trips out when the washing machine is on, just the dryer.

Will have a look at the connections etc.

Thanks again

Craig

 

[soon2bsparkie]

hello fella & females

Feel abit dizzy to ask this but can some1 tell me how 2 write a new post ( i aint 2 good on the computer)

 

[SPECIAL LOCATION]

hello fella & femalesFeel abit dizzy to ask this but can some1 tell me how 2 write a new post ( i aint 2 good on the computer)

"New thread" button.

towards top left of the sub-forum you want to add your new thread to.

 

[monkey5]

hello fella & femalesFeel abit dizzy to ask this but can some1 tell me how 2 write a new post ( i aint 2 good on the computer)

at the top of this page where it says

Electrician Forum > Main Category > Question & Answer Board > RCD tripping.

Reply to Thread

click on the "Electrician Forum" or "main category" blue link which will take you to a main category list of places to post on. pick the one with the best title to descibe what you'll be posting ie introducing yourself you'll goto "introduce yourself" then there should be a button to press to post new thread.

hope this helps, i too had to really look on how to do this, am sure there'll be a quicker way but thats how i always do it

wayne

 

[NozSpark]

Just a thought, If it's not the socket then could it be that the vent hose has come loose and is discharging moisture laden air onto the plug and socket??

 

[mjse]

if you have a pat tester maybe worth doing a quick test on the dryer while your there.

 

[hoppy]

Well checked sockets, and they were fine, plugged dryer into different sockets and still tripped out, so obviously dryer.

It is a condensing one, the water tray was fully empty, but when i moved it a lot of water came out of the bottom, and u could hear water inside, so seems like there is an internal leak or something.

Any ideas what it could be. I have no experience with appliances.

 

[sparks2911]

condensor driers need to have their heat exchangers removed once a month to be cleaned as they can clog up and the fluff retains water and prevent the machine operating effectively

 

[maccarooni]

Well checked sockets, and they were fine, plugged dryer into different sockets and still tripped out, so obviously dryer.It is a condensing one, the water tray was fully empty, but when i moved it a lot of water came out of the bottom, and u could hear water inside, so seems like there is an internal leak or something.

Any ideas what it could be. A trip to currys me thinks .....