Random socket tripping

[fuzdrum]

Hi,

Our breaker box is located in the cellar. We experience random socket trips throughout the year. Summertime seems to be the best when we can go months without an issue.

Autumn/winter time is awful. We have had 3 trips within the last 24 hours. No new appliance has been switched on when the trips occur.

Could it be a faulty RCD? Is it the location of the breaker box? Please help.

 

[Spoon]

Yes it's the rcd that protects just the sockets. Everything else stays on.

haha.. wish you would have put this in your original post mate.
Does look like the outside socket is causing all the trips then... but can't be 100% sure, unless you get someone to look at it.

 

[fuzdrum]

haha.. wish you would have put this in your original post mate.
Does look like the outside socket is causing all the trips then... but can't be 100% sure, unless you get someone to look at it.

The outside socket has a built in rcd. When it is not in use we trip it on the outside socket itself.

 

[buzzlightyear]

It might be damp or water or a snail
It could be any thing .call a expert.

 

[Strima]

The outside socket has a built in rcd. When it is not in use we trip it on the outside socket itself.

But if water is getting into the outside socket it will still trip the RCD in your board.

The socket RCD will only protect what is plugged into it.

 

[fuzdrum]

But if water is getting into the outside socket it will still trip the RCD in your board.

The socket RCD will only protect what is plugged into it.

Thanks for that. It is fully waterproof but I'll take a look.

 

[Strima]

Thanks for that. It is fully waterproof but I'll take a look.

Shouldn't be fully waterproof, there should be a small drain hole in the bottom.

 

[Taylortwocities]

In fact, there is NO POINT having an RCD socket, if the circuit is already RCD protected.

Isn't it funny though, in almost every topic that has an RCD tripping, the OP's first thought is to blame the RCD.

 

[Silly Sausage]

In fact, there is NO POINT having an RCD socket, if the circuit is already RCD protected.

Isn't it funny though, in almost every topic that has an RCD tripping, the OP's first thought is to blame the RCD.

Saves him pressing the test button every three months
That reminds me ...

 

[Taylortwocities]

Press the test button on the socket and they both will probably pop.

 

[Grezza]

Amazed by some of the diagnoses on here today, dehumidifiers and outside sockets. If the outside socket is spured off the ring main then what makes you automatically be certain it’s that?

Opening the backs of sockets and taking a peak instead of just testing the circuit. Amazing.

 

[KevinH]

I don't think anybody said they were "certain" its the outside socket. Just a few comments that it could possibly be that, because of the tripping being worse during bad weather. It would be a good place to start investigating tho. Obviously IR that circuit too.

 

[buzzlightyear]

Amazed by some of the diagnoses on here today, dehumidifiers and outside sockets. If the outside socket is spured off the ring main then what makes you automatically be certain it’s that?

suggestions ,that will may help .boy some body's cranky.

 

[Spoon]

Amazed by some of the diagnoses on here today, dehumidifiers and outside sockets. If the outside socket is spured off the ring main then what makes you automatically be certain it’s that?

Opening the backs of sockets and taking a peak instead of just testing the circuit. Amazing.

The dehumidifier comment was at the beginning when we didn't have all the info mate but glad you enjoyed it...

 

[DPG]

And at least 3 people have said to get a sparky in to get things tested

 

[static zap]

Any fridges freezers ,
(unplug any unnecessary appliances/ esp in conservatory & extension leads .. if trips less often these may be contributing )
But does sound like a local electrician needs to check IR !