Alfen
Nuisance Tripping of Upstream Protection
Charger trips the upstream RCD or MCB as soon as a charging session starts, but no internal error code is logged.
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Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
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Possible Causes
Type A RCD upstream not compatible with DC leakage from EV, Inrush current exceeding MCB characteristics, Shared RCD with other loads causing cumulative leakage, Incorrect breaker type or rating for Alfen charger
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Repeated tripping indicates a protection issue. Do not bypass or oversize protective devices without proper design.
- Step 1 – Note which device trips: Identify whether the RCD, MCB, or RCBO is tripping.
- Step 2 – Isolate other loads: Temporarily disconnect other circuits on the same RCD to see if the charger operates without tripping.
- Step 3 – Check breaker rating: Confirm that the MCB rating and curve match the charger’s maximum current and manufacturer recommendations.
- Step 4 – RCD type: Ensure the upstream RCD is of a type suitable for EV charging (e.g., Type A with RDC‑DD in charger, or Type B where required).
- Step 5 – Professional testing: An electrician should measure leakage currents and inrush to determine if protection needs to be re‑specified.
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Repair Difficulty
Hard
4/5
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