A residual current device (RCD) also known as a safety switch or ground-fault circuit interrupter is a component in your consumer unit (fuse box) that monitors incoming and outgoing electrical current. If there is an imbalance between the incoming and outgoing current, the RCD trips, cutting off power to the circuit(s) it protects.

If your electrical installation is more than 15–20 years old, the RCD may no longer be functioning correctly. If the RCD trips frequently, cannot be switched back on, or if the test button no longer works, the device is faulty.

It is recommended to test your RCD once a month. Since most people do not do this, a practical alternative is to test it twice a year or example, when the clocks change for the start of summer and winter.

There is a button on the RCD; press it, and the switch will flip to the "off" (down) position. Simply flip the switch back up to restore power.

If the switch is difficult to move or will not stay in the "on" (up) position, please contact us to have the RCD replaced.