rcd tripping

[jonathonward123]

Hi, got all sockets tripping for no apparent reason, were fine then sockets just tripped, customer says no d.i.y being done or anything else. I asked how old the consumer unit was, about twenty yr old, a metal box.

Could the problem be a faulty rcd? All the sockets are on one rcd.

 

[The Godfather]

OK, what tests have you done?

Ramp test on RCD (with ALL equipment removed from sockets)?

If that checks out, then perhaps a IR test on the ring, but check the RCD first.

(IT may also be worth checking any White goods..)

Don

 

[ianmacd]

Any new items been plugged in (PC's etc..)? Does it trip with nothing plugged in?

Ian.

 

[Andy™]

Any dampness in the house?

 

[jl-heating]

last 1 we had was a small amount of water in the pull switch in the bathroom below the tank in the roof.

you never know.

 

[Andy™]

some causes of RCDs tripping ive came across

- shower switch flooded (crabtree type, turns out there are quite water resistant, just in the wrong way!) from leak upstairs

- water damaged socket (IR 0.00 - the actual socket, not the wiring) (fairly popular fault)

- water damaged cable - under floor flooded and cables lying there (in water for a good few month

- DIYers adding sockets, either neutral in wrong bar, or neutral 'attached' to backbox via faceplate screw - can cause some weird faults!

- wall lights recently installed. live from light switch... neutral to socket

 

[batty]

Jonathon,

So only the sockets are going through the Rcd, is that correct.

Batty

 

[green-hornet]

Toasters and kettles come to mind seen many a rcd trip when faulty white goods as The Godfather has said in his post.

 

[betty swollocks]

i've had a run of 3 jobs where the lcd/plasma tv's had caused the rcd's to trip ...

now im all for keeping to the regs but you tell someone they can only have the power on if they forfeit the use of the 42"er and i'l show my bum in a woolworths window

 

[Andy™]

and i'l show my bum in a woolworths window

i think you may need a change of venue

 

[Evans Electric]

i think you may need a change of venue

Applaud SmileyApplaud Smiley:^O

 

[jonathonward123]

Yes only sockets in the rcd, according to the owner. They have tried unplugging everything and still tripped, but then it reset and worked for a day or so. They say no d.i.y has been done.

 

[SPECIAL LOCATION]

Yes only sockets in the rcd, according to the owner. They have tried unplugging everything and still tripped, but then it reset and worked for a day or so. They say no d.i.y has been done.

Hello Jonathon,

Do the "faulty" rcd sockets include kitchen / utility sockets.

common cause I have found (On many occasions) are appliance that use water and incorporate heat.

i.e. water causes RCD to trip..

then heat drys out fault so resets and works OK again for a few days till faulty appliance in use again.

e.g. washing machines / dishwashers / electric kettles (cordless jobbies with separate base) / Steam Irons / coffee makers / smoothie makers etc..?

Also had fridge / freezer pumps that are on the way out.

and or kitchen appliances that have had visits from mice chewing around the back, exposed wires but not open circuit, just open enough for damp to occasionally trip.

Have you done the RCD 1/2 x1 & x 5 tests? (maybe also ramp test?)

have you checked the insulation resistance of the circuit?

both of the above would imply the circuit and RCD are OK.

YOU NEED TO DO THE ABOVE TESTS! to verify circuit!

Also an RCD thats been there for many years is probably proved itself to be OK? and IMHO its more likely to stick and NOT operate rather than operate at random?

Remember a loose or damage flex can cause intermittent faults?

my guess 80%+ more likely to be an appliance problem of some sort rather than fixed wiring or RCD? :|