Video by Justin Morris on YouTube
DIY Electrical basics
How to Reset a Safety Switch (RCD) on Your Switchboard
When the power suddenly goes off in part of the house, a safety switch (RCD) has usually tripped to protect you. Resetting it is safe and something every homeowner should know how to do.
Step by step
- Open the switchboard and find the switch that is in the down or off position.
- Unplug appliances on the affected circuits, then push the switch back up.
- If it holds, plug appliances back in one at a time to find the one that trips it.
- Leave the faulty appliance unplugged until it has been checked.
Safety first
never open the switchboard cover or touch wiring. If the switch trips again straight away with nothing plugged in, or you see burning marks or smell burning, stop and call a licensed electrician. In Australia, New Zealand and most countries, electrical work beyond resetting switches and changing bulbs must be done by a licensed electrician.
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