This is why your boiler keeps tripping the electric

If you’re finding that your combination boiler keeps tripping the RCD switch on your fuse board and tripping the electricity, it could be a sign of a fault or leak within your boiler system. This switch is a safety feature that stops the flow of electricity when there’s a current leak to earth. There are a few possible causes for your combination boiler to trip the electric, however it mainly comes down to a potential leak or moisture build-up.

Water leak

Firstly, it’s important to check there are no water leaks around your boiler. Leaking boilers can occur due to corrosion, faulty pump seals or high pressures and should be assessed by a professional heating engineer.

These can lead to serious faults within your system and are mostly caused by general wear and tear or limescale. If there’s no obvious leak around your boiler, it may be that there is an internal leak that’s difficult to spot without help from a professional.

Condensation

Cold days and rainy weather can cause condensation to form within your home and therefore your combination boiler. The slight angling of the flue on your boiler (this is the pipe or chimney that takes the gases from the boiler outside of your home) can then cause the condensation to drip down the flue into your boiler system.

The RCD could then switch due to the build-up of moisture. In this case, replacing parts susceptible to condensation should resolve the issue.

Damaged wiring or poor insulation

Other boiler components that could be tripping the electricity include the insulation or wiring. Any parts of your boiler open to moisture either from outside or in could cause the RDC switch to trip as a precaution.

Check the insulation between the flue and outside, and look for any obviously damaged wires that could be creating the problem.

Boiler leak checks

To summarise, make sure you check the following areas in your home for potential leaks:

• Around your boiler itself
• Pump seals
• Flue
• Insulation between the flue and outside
• Wiring between the boiler and outside

If your boiler keeps tripping the electricity, it’s always best to enlist the help of a professional heating engineer. A Gas-safe engineer will be able to assess the situation and carry out boiler repairs or replace parts that could be damaging your system. For more information on boiler repairs in Bristol or the South West, DHS Boiler Company are happy to help.

Call DHS today on 0117 924 7200, email us, or request a call back.