⚡ Why You Should Press Your RCD Button (And How Often)
When was the last time you pressed the little "T" or "Test" button on your fuse board? If you’re like most people, the answer is probably... never.
But that little button is more important than you think — and testing it could literally save your life.
Here’s what it does, why it matters, and how often you should be giving it a press.
🧠 What Is an RCD?
An RCD (Residual Current Device) is a safety device that cuts the power in milliseconds if it detects electricity flowing somewhere it shouldn’t — like through a damaged cable, faulty appliance, or even you.
In simple terms, if there’s a risk of electric shock or fire, the RCD is your first line of defence.
❓ Why Test It?
Like smoke alarms, RCDs can fail silently. If you don’t test them regularly, you won’t know if they’re still working properly until it’s too late.
Pressing the test button simulates a fault to make sure the RCD trips like it should. If it doesn't trip, that means it might not protect you when it really needs to.
📅 How Often Should You Test It?
Once every three months is the official recommendation from the Electrical Safety First charity and BS 7671 (the wiring regulations electricians follow).
💡 Top tip: Set a reminder on your phone, or test it with the seasons — one quick press every time the clocks change works well.
👇 How to Test Your RCD
- Go to your consumer unit (fuse board).
- Look for buttons labelled T or Test on the RCD(s).
- Press the button firmly.
- You should hear a click and the power will go off to the circuits it protects.
- Reset the switch by flipping it back up.
🧼 Don’t worry — it won’t harm your appliances. Just make sure you save any work on the computer first!
🚫 What If It Doesn’t Trip?
If pressing the test button does nothing — or if the switch trips but won’t reset — it’s time to call an electrician. It could be a faulty RCD, loose wiring, or something more serious.
Don’t ignore it