What is actually happening
An element that has cracked will leak current to earth as soon as it heats up, and that is what trips the RCD. The timing tells you a great deal: tripping the instant it is switched on points at wiring or the terminal block, while tripping only once it has warmed points squarely at an element. Where both the oven and the hob go together, the terminal block is a strong suspect.
The usual causes
- A cracked oven or grill element leaking to earth once hot
- A burnt or arcing terminal block where the cable enters the cooker
- Water ingress after a spillage or a steam clean
- A damaged cable behind the cooker
What you can safely check yourself
Work through these in order. Anything past this point — panels off, testing parts, anything to do with the wiring — is an engineer's job, and not one to attempt with the appliance plugged in.
- Note whether it trips at switch-on or only once hot, and whether the hob is affected too
- Look and smell around the cable entry at the back for scorching — that is the terminal block
- If there is any sign of burning, isolate the cooker and leave it isolated
Still tripping the electrics?
Most of these need an engineer once the checks above are done. £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Local engineers covering Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire — same and next-day appointments, and the person who comes out is one of ours, not a subcontractor.
Call 0115 648 0929 Book online — postcode and number is all we need
Common questions
Why is my oven tripping the electrics?
Switching the oven on, or reaching temperature, cuts the power to the kitchen or the house. An element that has cracked will leak current to earth as soon as it heats up, and that is what trips the RCD. The timing tells you a great deal: tripping the instant it is switched on points at wiring or the terminal block, while tripping only once it has warmed points squarely at an element. Where both the oven and the hob go together, the terminal block is a strong suspect.
Can I fix a oven tripping the electrics myself?
Note whether it trips at switch-on or only once hot, and whether the hob is affected too. Look and smell around the cable entry at the back for scorching — that is the terminal block. If there is any sign of burning, isolate the cooker and leave it isolated. Beyond those checks this one normally needs an engineer.
How much does it cost to repair a oven tripping the electrics?
£66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Other oven faults
- oven not heating up
- oven fan not working
- oven not getting hot enough
- oven grill not working
- oven burning smell
- oven light not working
- oven door will not close
- oven cooking unevenly