Sockets keep tripping

[clueless456]

Hi,

I moved home a few months ago and the electrics RCD keep tripping. Sometimes it will happen every few days and sometimes will be fine for a few weeks before happening again.

I have identified the problem is coming from the utility room sockets. When it has happened before I have unplugged everything in the utility room and then the RCD switch will remain in the on position and seem to be able to plug everything back in again without any problem, although sometimes I have had to wait a few hours before the RCD switch will turn on again.

The only items used in that room are fridge freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer, and a double socket I use for kettle and sometimes toaster, but these are switched off at the plug when not in use. The washing machine and dryer both have separate fuse switches, although these also seem to be connected to the problem circuit.

I do not think overloading the sockets is a problem. I did previously have an extension lead plugged into the double socket to charge mobile phones and laptop, but have now moved those to other side of property on different sockets.

The last time this happened was in the middle of the night last night and all lights also went off. I have unplugged everything in utility and the RCD switch now remains on, but when I try to turn the sockets breaker back on it just keeps tripping everything, so sockets breaker is still off, so cannot use fridge freezer or washing machine.

Is there anything else I could try without having to call electrician out? Do these things sometimes rectify if left alone for a few hours? I cannot see anything else on that circuit to be unplugged.

Many Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[clueless456]

Thank you again for all of the replies. I am interested to hear any opinions on the plastic plug protectors, any opinions on potential benefits of using the plastic protectors, and/or other reasons for being shocked from a socket with nothing at all plugged into it.

I will let you know any update from electrician visit.

 

[DPG]

Thank you again for all of the replies. I am interested to hear any opinions on the plastic plug protectors, any opinions on potential benefits of using the plastic protectors, and/or other reasons for being shocked from a socket with nothing at all plugged into it.

I will let you know any update from electrician visit.

There are no benefits to them. You have had good advice on them. Check the Web link also.

 

[westward10]

Definitely bin the 'plug protectors'.

Recycling would be more beneficial

 

[clueless456]

There are no benefits to them. You have had good advice on them. Check the Web link also.

But I still believe that had one been plugged into the socket which gave me the shock, that would have probably been a barrier to prevent the electric shock.

 

[DPG]

But I still believe that had one been plugged into the socket which gave me the shock, that would have probably been a barrier to prevent the electric shock.

Doubt it very much. More likely to have received a shock while wiping round the switch.

Avoid wet wipes. Recycle the protectors.

I'm out.

 

[nicebutdim]

But I still believe that had one been plugged into the socket which gave me the shock, that would have probably been a barrier to prevent the electric shock.

Every professional opinion posted runs contrary to your belief.

 

[brianmoooore]

But I still believe that had one been plugged into the socket which gave me the shock, that would have probably been a barrier to prevent the electric shock.

They are more likely to form a capillary pathway for moisture than to provide a barrier, and as I said in an earlier post, it's more than likely that you received the shock from the switch.

 

[clueless456]

They are more likely to form a capillary pathway for moisture than to provide a barrier, and as I said in an earlier post, it's more than likely that you received the shock from the switch.

Yes I can understand how they can also be dangerous. But when I received the shock from the socket, no plastic plug protectors had either been purchased or used. The socket had nothing at all plugged into it.

 

[DPG]

Yes I can understand how they can also be dangerous. But when I received the shock from the socket, no plastic plug protectors had either been purchased or used. The socket had nothing at all plugged into it.

We know that. We're just going round in circles here.

 

[Mike Johnson]

When you plug in the covers they open the shutters which are there to prevent them being opened, I am also out.

 

[clueless456]

When you plug in the covers they open the shutters which are there to prevent them being opened, I am also out.

Ok thank you for confirming that. I wasn't sure as some of the prongs on them are very short and just assumed they are safe to use. I only purchased them after the electric shock. I assume no safety shutters could have been opened on the socket that gave me the shock, as nothing at all was plugged in...

I will get the socket replaced asap.

 

[DPG]

Ok thank you for confirming that. I wasn't sure as some of the prongs on them are very short and just assumed they are safe to use. I only purchased them after the electric shock. I assume no safety shutters could have been opened on the socket that gave me the shock, as nothing at all was plugged in...

I will get the socket replaced asap.

Did you get this issue sorted?

Has the landlord had the socket replaced?