Double trouble

Sep 26, 2026 Last reply: 11 hours ago 1 Replies

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Jeff Layman 1 day ago

Switched on the top (non-fan) oven of our AEG for lunch, and after a few minutes the RCD tripped. I turned off the element selector and thermostat controls, and reset the RCD. I then turned on the element selector, and the RCD was ok. As soon as the thermostat control was turned, the RCD tripped again.

Well, I'd just have to use the second (fan) oven. I turned the selector to fan-assisted, and the indicator light came on above it. Then I turned the thermostat to 200°C. The RCD didn't trip. A minute later I sensed something was wrong - I couldn't hear the fan and the internal oven light was off. Also the indicator light above the thermostat wasn't on. The oven remained cold. So both ovens had failed! Out of interest, with the top fan element selector still off, I turned the top oven thermostat control. The RCD immediately tripped. Goodness knows how that device is wired!

It's 11 years old, so not too bad although it should have lasted longer. So it's over to Curry's this afternoon to have a look at a new one.

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Theo 11 hours ago

Sanity check... our oven won't run if the clock isn't set. That means each time after a power cut you turn on the oven, wait for it to heat up... and it's cold. Just pressing Set on the clock is enough to set the clock from flashing 00:00 to a time of midnight, and then the oven works. The clock is in an awkward place so it's not obvious that it's flashing.

Don't suppose the first trip reset the clock which prevented the second oven from starting?

Ours is 26. 11 seems awfully short. I'd be looking to change the element (probably about £20 if a generic one is available) first. Especially since a new AEG is probably going to be circa £500.

I expect you need both the element selector and thermostat engaged for power to pass to the element, so the RCD only trips when the element is powered. Although if there is an earth leak in one component then I suppose that could cause trips in the upstream part even if the downstream part is turned off.

I don't know Electrolux (AEG/Zanussi/...) specifically, but thermostats can be decently priced so if it's the thermostat it's worth checking what the part cost is.

Theo

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