trip at somewhere between 4 and 10 mA (depends on how old it is, etc.). That's a good thing, but can make diagnosis of an element which only leaks to earth when hot very hard to check.

So - a few suggestions.

1) Check from each connection point (wiring disconnected on BOTH sides) to the metal of the element. If there's anything but unity, then it's got a short, it must be replaced. If not, then try this:

2) Leave the element disconnected (both sides) and the connectors carefully covered so they can't accidentally be earthed or shorted against each other.

Does the RCD still blow? If it does, the problem is (hopefully) in the wiring or (not so good) thermostat or (really not good) the timer.

Hope that helps. I had an AEG in Germany which would do that, turned out one of the wires to the element had rubbed a bare spot and was making intermittent contact with the earthed housing. Bang! would got the RCD.

We have to stick together, whether our names are spelt Caohmin or Kevin or Kevyn or Keven or Kevan.

Got a private message asking why I suggested removing both connectors when checking to ground. Normally, it's enough to remove just one when you are checking impedance across an element. In this case, though, you're trying to identify where the short to earth is. Can't do that unless each possible culprit is isolated from the others.

Thus, disconnect everything from the part being tested.

One thing to watch out for with these spade connectors - you have to push the connector and jack together so firmly, it's easy to break or bend the spot weld on the element. Be sure to hold it tight in a pair of pliers before you replace the connector.

Keep us up to date - I'm curious how it works out.

Thanks

Keven (panthera)