Oven tripping RCDs Featured

More likely to be a faulty heating element in the oven triggered by warm humid air within the oven than steam getting into the switched fused spur.

The element in our Neff oven actually caught fire. I could see the flame through the oven door. There was a flame at each end of the element where it turned a sharp corner for the terminal behind the oven cavity.

Just to clarify: The oven RCD did NOT trip ? The kitchen circuit ( which includes the spur) RCD did trip ?

Correct - and as stated I suspect the baking could have continued.

Correct.

I've just read the manual and it explains the excess steam goes out the back of the oven and that the walls should have suitable coverings to cope with this. It seems a bad place to put a switch. It'll be messy to move the switch. I wonder if clingfilm would protect it. The lid rests against the wall creating a trap and maybe it just needs

Could you install a wireless relay module in the switch box, with the control somewhere else? Then silicone up the switch box with a blanking plate. For example TLC has the 'Quinetic' range of receivers with a batteryless control.

Theo

Or a simple air operated switch?

Or even a very simple IP rated weatherproof switch.

With careful choice, yes. Some of the "suitable" switches have a flexible membrane which, in time, split and become a risk. I replaced just such a switch with an air switch for our waste disposal unit.

You could I'd imagine do a temp test by putting a plastic bag over the switch taped securely on and see if it improves things. I'd suspect the oven though. Brian

TBH I have only seem momentary air operated switches, which would be fine for your waste disposal unit.

I just made a quick search for pneumatics latching switches, and apart from RS and some specialist companies I can't find an example.

A good place for electrical isolation if you want to work on the cooker hood:-)

Could it be replaced with a blank plate and have a switch elsewhere?

In a cupboard next to the cooker etc?

Undoubtably.

I tried to take the cover off - the screws are not screwed into anything so I suspect the unit has been inserted into the wall at

I tried to pull the cover away but the wiring is so tight I was fearful of using too much force so I haven't.

I assume it is the condensate that is creating enough leakage for the RCD to trip.

I am also of that opinion.

If you could get access to a cupboard then extend with wagos and silicone a blank plate over the hole is one suggestion.