how can I find the problem

[pollynator]

hi I have been in my house for a year and a half now and my electric is constantly tripping out . Its always the master trip . We have a new trip box im not sure if this is what its called it was installed by a proper sparky I know this because we brought the house off the inlaws . We were originaly told that it was because we were running to many things at once but it appears to be untrue as it does it with the minimal amount of apps running ie fridge and freezer . It also likes to trip out when we use the shower the shower is wired in seperately and has its own trip but always takes out the main trip ??????????? please help im a novice any advice would be appreciated .
Thanks

 

[jj4091]

I am afraid it is impossible to help with the limited information you have given. You need to either isolate the fault further or call someone in to carry out the necasary testing.When you say the "master trip" do you mean the main islolator on the consumer unit or the rcd(if you have one). When was the house re-wired? Can you post some photos of the consumer unit? Does it happen when bulbs blow?

 

[pollynator]

yes i believe it is the main isolator is does also happen when a bulb goes I can try and get some photos not sure how to post them its a newy&ere or somethin with about 8 or so little black levers or trips the one that turns everything off at the end is the one that always jumps off . been told it could be so many things thought I would go on line to get some advice . It has been gradually rewired over the last 25 years its not on ring mains there is also so cabling running outside to some lights and the utility shed which houses our chest freezer and our tumbledrier . I am concerned that the cable used outside is internal cable just want some help before I go ripping things to pieces

 

[Chivers7]

In this instance I would call an Electrician in and have a Periodic inspection and test which will highlight any major and minor issues that the installation clearly seems to have.

Sorry apart from the obvious of having loose connections there's little more you can say unless anyone had more detail and pixs as said.

 

[luminaire]

The only thing you might try is switching everything off, and one by one switch each MCB on and you might be able to isolate the circuit that is at fault.
Other than that I agree you should get someone in to have a closer inspection and test the whole installation.

 

[pollynator]

ok so if i put down all the small breakers and then turn all appliances on then one by one turn the breakers back on . cheers guys ill give it a go and see what happens .
I had an inspection off british gas a while ago cause got a cover plan agreement when he tested one of the sockets in the kitchen it popped the main trip then he said it was normal and buggered off without testing anthing else ?? ill give it a bash

 

[JohnD]

Can you post some photos of the consumer unit? ?

We like pictures

 

[pollynator]

how do i insert an image and i will get dozens ???????[/img]

 

[JohnD]

Fifth from the top

//www.diynot.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=6

I use Photobucket.

 

[industryspark]

im thinking your talking about an rcd as the main incomer? can you confirm this? (sorry if ive missed it in a previous post)

if its an rcd it should have a test button on it. a picture really would be best so we can identify straight away.

im thinking possibly TT supply with rcd main incomer. pics please!!!

incidentally ive fitted a few sockets for mates recently where there house was on a TT supply and theyve got a 30mA RCD as the main incomer protecting all the circuits in the house which i find a bit odd.

 

[securespark]

theyve got a 30mA RCD as the main incomer protecting all the circuits in the house which i find a bit odd.

Very common IME.

After all, a TT without RCD is at risk.

 

[pollynator]

the main one is 80ma Iwill get some pics wheres the photobucket software or where can I get it cheers

 

[pollynator]

excellent found it Ill have some pics within 24hrs got work and busy all this evening

 

[industryspark]

Securespark wrote

industryspark wrote:
theyve got a 30mA RCD as the main incomer protecting all the circuits in the house which i find a bit odd.


Very common IME.

After all, a TT without RCD is at risk.

yes oviously needs to be rcd'd but point i was trying to make was that surrelly better for 100mA time delayed main and 30mA for stuff that requires it.

 

[securespark]

Agreed, i.s!

Let's wait for some piccy's - can't even be sure it's TT at the mo...