Protherm
Earth Leakage / Insulation Fault
Water heater trips the household RCD / GFCI when it starts
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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
Moisture inside electrical compartment, Heating element insulation breakdown (electric models), Damaged wiring touching chassis, Faulty pump or fan motor winding
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Do not repeatedly reset the RCD. Turn off power and isolate the heater. Risk of electric shock.
- Check for moisture: Inspect inside the casing for water leaks or condensation near electrical parts. Repair leaks first.
- Insulation testing: A qualified electrician should perform insulation resistance tests on the heating element, pump, fan, and wiring.
- Replace faulty component: Replace any component with low insulation resistance to earth.
- Dry and protect: Dry the unit thoroughly and ensure cable grommets and seals are intact to prevent future moisture ingress.
Warning: Earth leakage faults are serious; do not operate the heater until fully resolved.
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Repair Difficulty
Hard
4/5
Required Part
Heating Element / Fan Motor / Wiring Harness
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