Cooker tripping RCD

[arctic]

Hi,

I've searched past threads and not found a similar situation so I thought I'd post this one and see what comes up.

We have a double oven, which works fine when using the top oven and grill.

When you turn on the bottom oven it works fine for a while but then trips the rcd after a few minutes.

I bought a replacement element (we moving into this house about 6 months ago, and the bottom oven hadn't been working for the old owners) and swapped it over, before it would trip as soon as the oven temp was turned up, now with the new element it trips after a few minutes.

I'm thinking or swapping it across onto the non protected side (thinking that the fault is most likely moisture ingress into the element).

Is there any testing or other action I should try before doing this?

Thanks!

 

[ericmark]

Cooker elements are hygroscopic in that they will over time absorb water. If they are used on a regular basis then water will be driven out each time they are switched on and there is not enough to cause it to trip however if it has been standing for some time as it heats up the water causes enough leakage to trip.
If it can heat up once it will likely drive out the water and you will have no more problems.
As to how to do this I know how I do it but I am sure it is against all the rules and I do not intend to admit how I do it on here.
Eric

 

[arctic]

Hi Eric,

I know of a way....

I'm guessing that there isn't a reason why the cooker should be on the protected side anyway. So I'd rather just stick it onto the non protected side.

 

[ericmark]

Once it has heated up once you could return it to RCD protected.
I would love to tell you the simple method but if anyone touches the cooker while I am doing it they could well get a shock and also some people may forget to replace it. So knowing how many people read these posts I can't tell you what I do. Anyone who has worked it out will I hope be sensible enough to do it in a safe manor with no children or pets around and switching by isolator and not touching cooker.
All best Eric