ELECTRIC TRIPPING

[walto90]

everytime i switch an appliance on(tv/pc)my electricity trips even if this is the only thing on, this has just started happening and is not due to a change in the circuit.
any help really appreciated.
thnx.

 

[Steve]

Whats tripping? and how did you get the pc to start to post that?

 

[walto90]

the main fuse in the box is tripping.
friends pc.

 

[RMS]

Is it an RCD that is tripping? what circuits does it feed?

sounds like you may have a neutral to earth fault somewhere.

 

[walto90]

ITS WHEN I USE A SOCKET THE BIG RED SWITCH IN THE FUSE BOX TRIPS.IF WHAT YOU SAY IS THE FAULT HOW DO YOU SOLVE IT
CHEERS

 

[Maxxy]

ITS WHEN I USE A SOCKET THE BIG RED SWITCH IN THE FUSE BOX TRIPS.IF WHAT YOU SAY IS THE FAULT HOW DO YOU SOLVE IT
CHEERS

IS IT THE MAIN BIG RED SWITCH, OR A SMALLER BIG RED SWITCH WITH OTHER SMALLER BIG RED SWITCHES ALL AROUND IT?

 

[JohnD]

Is it an RCD or an MCB? The problem will be different depending on what trips.

An RCD may look something like this

and an MCB like this

Note that the RCD is twice the width of the MCB.

the RCD will usually be marked something like "80A" "30mA" or "0.03A" "Press T Quarterly"

the MCB (there will be several) may be marked "B32" or B06" or similar.

If you tell us the brand name you see on your consumer unit, that may help.

BTW we would really like you to turn this off http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i62/RFLighting/caplock.jpg


edited:
and this device is an RCBO, which combines both functions in a single device. However, this is only found in the finest installations

 

[RF Lighting]

C'mon John, go back and post that link as an image.

I'm sure I've seen that before somewhere

 

[JohnD]

It's a bit big...

Couldn't find my own one

there is also a demand for audience participation, and a pause, for comic effect.

I think walto90 has gone to bed now (in the dark).

 

[Pensdown]

Is it an RCD or an MCB?

Are you having a bad RCBO day?

 

[JohnD]

Are you having a bad RCBO day?

I have edited it at your suggestion.

 

[securespark]

[Snigger...]

 

[walto90]

AFTER A COLD DARK NIGHT. THE SWITCH THAT TRIPS IS AN AB32SH SMALL 1. ONLY THE DOWNSTAIRS SOCKETS GO OFF.

THANX FOR ANY HELP!!!!

 

[JohnD]

Turn off your Caps Lock.

OK. Either you have a current overload, or the MCB is faulty. There may be damage to the circuit cables or there may be an incorrect item fitted as a fuse in one of your fused plugs. There could be rodent damage to a gnawed cable, or there could be water getting into an electrical part (this sometimes happens near boilers and central-heating pumps, as well as taps and drains)

Try unplugging and switching off everything on that circuit, including the boiler and the fridge-freezer, and see if that cures the problem. Then try turning then on a few at a time to see if you can isolate a cause.

You may be able to plug the freezer into a socket on the cooker switch, if it has one, to keep your food cold.

Have a look round all your sockets and plugs for any signs of overheating or damage such as browning or melting, cracks or chips. Look for any evidence of nails or screws in the floor or walls that could have hit a cable.

If you are not familiar with electrical work you would do best to call in a qualified local electrician - if you can get a recommendation from a friend or neighbour that would be a help.

p.s.
the only thing, other than a fault, that is likely to cause a B32 MCB to trip is a big overload - like, if you had three or more large-load appliances running at the same time. For example, a washing machine, and a tumble drier, and an electric heater. Or an oven, kettle, toaster, and dishwasher. Do you have many large appliances on the circuit?

 

[walto90]

thanks1 the switch wont stay on at all now