How much does it cost to replace an RCD (diferencial) in Spain?

RCD replacement cost in Spain

The cost of replacing an RCD, the diferencial in a Spanish fuse box (called a GFCI breaker in the US), depends on the type of device and the state of the board. These are the guide ranges used in industry price guides:

When it needs replacing

• It does not trip when you press the TEST button (T). The clearest sign it is not protecting you.
• It trips for no reason even though the insulation readings of the installation are correct.
• It is burnt, buzzes or will not stay up even with all the MCBs switched off.
• It is not 30 mA, the sensitivity Spanish regulations require in homes (ITC-BT-25).
• You have added new equipment such as an induction hob, air conditioning or an EV charger, which may need a different type of RCD.

First, make sure the RCD is really to blame

Very often the RCD trips because it is doing its job: there is a leak in an appliance or in the wiring, and replacing it without finding the cause fixes nothing. An electrician measures the insulation circuit by circuit and tests the RCD with an instrument that shows at what current and how fast it trips. That tells you whether it needs changing at all.

Which type to fit

• Type A: also detects the pulsating currents from electronic equipment. It is the minimum required for an EV charging point.
• High-immunity (superinmunizado): avoids nuisance tripping from computers, LED lighting or induction hobs. Very useful in kitchens and home offices.
• Type B: also detects DC leaks and is used for EV charging and solar installations.

Splitting the circuits

If your board has a single RCD for the whole house, a leak in the kitchen leaves every room in the dark. With more than one RCD, or selective protection, only the affected area goes off. If you are replacing it, this is a good moment to consider it.

When to call an electrician

Call if the TEST button does not work, if it trips several times a week or if the board smells of burning. In Seville, Spain, we replace it through RCD keeps tripping, fit a high-immunity RCD for nuisance tripping, and handle full fuse board replacement when the whole board is outdated.