Tripping RCD

[learner123]

Can anyone tell me why when using the iron the RCD seems to trip.
It has happened with three different Irons and its intermittent.

All the electrics have had a full test and inspection and are fine.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[LoveRocket]

You have a neutral to earth fault on that circuit.

 

[ricicle]

Steam irons ? There may already be a fault on the circuit (or another appliance) and the leakage that occurs in these irons may be enough to activate the RCD.

 

[learner123]

The Irons have also been PAT tested and have passed.
Surely that would have picked up an earth fault?

 

[ricicle]

Are the irons full of water and steamed up when PATested ?

 

[learner123]

Sorry ricicle, Yes they are steam irons.

 

[learner123]

Hey ricicle,

No the irons wasn't full of water when they where PAT tested.
Should they have?

Cheers.

 

[ricicle]

What I am trying to say is that if the RCD does not trip when any other appliance is plugged in then there must be a problem with the irons. Steam irons are notorious at leaking to earth, but like certain other appliances only begin to do it when full of water/steam which is not always the case when tested.

 

[learner123]

Interesting.

Thanks ricicle. I thought it was weird that all three Irons (All steam) did this
but I didn't know they where known for it.

Many thanks.

 

[maguire]

As a matter of interest Kettles, even plastic ones. steam irons, urns, bains, fridges with condensate removal by electric immersion heaters should all be tested with water in them and the earth lead from the tester connected to the element where possible I have even heard that some testers say a plastic kettle is class2 because there in no exposed conductive material debatable maybe but the time taken is worth it
DM

 

[mikeyd]

You have a neutral to earth fault on that circuit.

Most likely reason. It could even be on a different circuit if they share the same RCD.

To confirm, next time you do your ironing, fill your kettle, plug it in the nearest socket on the same circuit, turn it on the let us know if the RCD trips more often than it did.

EDIT: An RCD trips when current through the live side of the RCD leaks to earth instead of returning via the neutral. If there is a neutral to earth fault it will not trip the RCD unless current needs to flow (i.e.the circuit is loaded). Irons and kettles both are quite heavy loads.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

You could also make some toast to go with the tea.