Break in ring circuit

[Teddy Lop]

Finding that out is done under "dead" testing....

Every socket is taken off the wall, every leg tested for continuity to "map out" where each cable goes... ie between which sockets. From that, the location of the break can be generally worked out.
A martindale socket tester wont do it... it needs to be a professional multi function tester.... (although some things can be done with a lesser basic multimeter)

Fault finding is a costly process. It could take 5 minutes to find the problem, it could take 5 hours.


If you are not happy with what the electrician has charged you with, then there is no reason not to try someone else for the remedials

Before taking every socket off I'd resistance test both segments to find the furthest and start further investigations from there...

 

[Tomdhu]

Before taking every socket off I'd resistance test both segments to find the furthest and start further investigations from there...

I have only a simple multi meter at my disposal so how would I do as you suggest?

I was hoping to work out where the possible break is without having to go to the CU and disconnect wires but if I disconnect one of the two brown wires in the RCD and then go round the sockets with my socket tester, I can ascertain which one are on each leg.

 

[DefyG]

without having to go to the CU and disconnect wires

Good idea if not competent.

but if I disconnect one of the two brown wires in the RCD

So where is the RCD if not in the CU???

In theory it should work!

 

[newfutile]

I can't imagine where 2 brown wires would be in an (RCD) Residual Current Device,maybe you mean mcb or rcbo?
If it's wired as 2 radials there will be a socket with only 1 cable there would most likely be 2 of these.
If 20 amps is enough for you no need to do anything

 

[Tomdhu]

I can't imagine where 2 brown wires would be in an (RCD) Residual Current Device,maybe you mean mcb or rcbo?
If it's wired as 2 radials there will be a socket with only 1 cable there would most likely be 2 of these.
If 20 amps is enough for you no need to do anything

It's a 16th edition MK consumer unit and the kitchen sockets are protected by a circuit breaker in the RCD section of the CU as shown below

 

[HappyHippyDad]

It's a 16th edition MK consumer unit and the kitchen sockets are protected by a circuit breaker in the RCD section of the CU as shown below

Tom...
Honestly, just get an electrician in.
They will 'probably' find and fix it in 2 - 3 hours (cost £120 - £175).
They'll do it safely and correctly and save you a day or 2 of phaffing around.
This also saves you playing around inside the consumer unit which really is dangerous.
Good luck

 

[Tomdhu]

Tom...
Honestly, just get an electrician in.

HHD,
The advice is much appreciated however as a pensioner I have lots of spare time but little spare cash.
It will be an interesting challenge and I'll start by watching some mor of David Savery's YT videos. I find them hugely entertaining and informative.