how to find what is tripping fuse?

[webbo1]

how do i find out what is causing my upstairs lighting circuit to trip. i recently cut a wire up in the loft but have replaced this yesterday with a terminal block, everything was fine but now the is fuse is tripping. i switched it back on and it stayed on for 2min and now will not stay on at all. A couple of weeks ago i installed a ceiling fan in my daughters bedroom but apart from that havent touched anything else.

what is the best way to find out what is causing the short circuit? trial and error?

 

[wingcoax]

Disconnect the fan for starters and see what happens, also check, check and double check that you have joined the cable correctly. Also you do not need to double post, USE THE ORIGINAL.

 

[webbo1]

thanks. original? different problem tho isnt it

 

[wingcoax]

thanks. original? different problem tho isnt it

Actually isn't it a result of the original problem?

 

[sparkwright]

Sounds like a different problem to me.

Is it a MCB that trips,
or an RCBO,
or an RCD?

Tell us the numbers printed on it.

Check both the fan and the terminal block (junction box I hope) for any mistakes.

Photographs would be most welcome.

 

[webbo1]

the fuse that trips is a wylex nsb06, some of the fuses on the circuit are rcd protected but this is on the side that isnt protected (fuse is for upstairs lighting and solar panel heater)

its not a junction box it is just a 15a terminal choc block inside a chock bloc box.

like i said everything was fine yesterday, then this morning i saw the fuse was off, flicked it on and it stayed on for a while but now it flicks off instantly.

i will check all connections and then if need will upload pictures, more advice welcome

 

[webbo1]

i checked the connection i think 1 of the wires has snapped must have tightened the choc block to tight. would a junction box better a better idea than the choc block in the protector insulation box?

also it was stange the fuse still kept tripping even when i fixed the wire, i opened the fuse box took the wire out the fuse, put it back in and now its fine.

but should i go get a junction box? if so il go to b&q now!

 

[wingcoax]

Disconnect the fan for starters and see what happens, also check, check and double check that you have joined the cable correctly.

Be careful how you strip the sheath off the cable.

 

[electronicsuk]

i checked the connection i think 1 of the wires has snapped must have tightened the choc block to tight. would a junction box better a better idea than the choc block in the protector insulation box?

also it was stange the fuse still kept tripping even when i fixed the wire, i opened the fuse box took the wire out the fuse, put it back in and now its fine.

but should i go get a junction box? if so il go to b&q now!

The terminal blocks and enclosure are fine. You could have exactly the same problem with almost any kind of screw terminal if you overtighten or don't make off the cable properly. That said, it may be wise to use smaller terminals or double the ends of the conductor over - why the need for 15A?

 

[webbo1]

in a earlier post i was advised to get a 15amp terminal block. perhaps because it for the bathroom extractor fan, im not sure i just follow he advice im given.

i now have a further problem, whenever i switch my bedroom ceiling light/fan on the fuse goes again. will this be something to do with the switch connection inside the fan, just thought id ask as i have to take every fan blade off to get to the connections.

 

[electronicsuk]

i now have a further problem, whenever i switch my bedroom ceiling light/fan on the fuse goes again. will this be something to do with the switch connection inside the fan, just thought id ask as i have to take every fan blade off to get to the connections.

Did it ever work in the first place, or has this just suddenly started happening? Is the switch a pullcord on the fan, or located elsewhere?

 

[webbo1]

yes it did work, it is only last few days when it has stopped working. there is a pullcord on the fan for the light and fan, but the fuse trips when i switch it on at the wall switch. im thinking maybe there is a problem with the switch wire connection in the fan, is this the most likly case?

 

[electronicsuk]

yes it did work, it is only last few days when it has stopped working. there is a pullcord on the fan for the light and fan, but the fuse trips when i switch it on at the wall switch. im thinking maybe there is a problem with the switch wire connection in the fan, is this the most likly case?

Indeed. I'm thinking you've wired the switch straight between L and N. I've never fitted one of these fans before, but I assume the built-in pullcord is 2-way. If that's true, then you may need additional wiring to make the remote switch work properly, or leave the light pullcord at the fan in the 'on' position all the time and only control it with the wall switch.

I think it might be a good idea to stay away from DIY electrics for a while once you get all this working...

 

[webbo1]

il take alook at it.

never again!

 

[webbo1]

right im gettin really p***** off now. i took the casing off the fan everything looked fine so i swiched it on while the casing was off and hey presto its working, so i screw everything back together switch the fan on again...NOTHING. the fuse doesnt even trip now but the fan will not work. ive took everything off again and the wires a all correct, all in tight nothing snapped? what the hell is it this time?

i have 3 grey shethed wires coming from the ceilling

1 has 2 brown cores and an earth wire, the other 2 have 1 blue , 1 brown and 1 earth each.

1 of the twin brown is connected to the L on the fan and the other 3 brown are connected to a connector block. the 2 neutrals are in the N and the earths are in E.

this is the same how i has always been connected whilst working, tripping and now completley off.

serious help needed please it doin my head in all i want is a celing fan that works!