Outdoor IP56 socket tripping

[swisscheese]

I had an IP56 socket like this one

installed outside my home a couple of years ago. I then used it to power tools, a water feature, etc., without any trouble. Now, since the end of the winter, there seems to be a problem with the socket.

Without plugging in any appliance, the RCD trips. Any idea what the cause would be? Many thanks for your suggestions.

 

[tSpark]

Probably water ingress,
The unit is non servicable and so needs changing.
When it comes to things like this REPLACEMENT is the way forward.

 

[swisscheese]

Thanks a lot for your reply tSpark. A further question: since I have a RCD consumer unit, does it make sense to have a RCD socket?

 

[securespark]

What rating is your CU RCD?

 

[tSpark]

If the RCD on your consumer unit
1) Protects the circuit that the RCD socket is on, AND
2)is 30ma (sometimes shown as 0.03A)

then no, the RCD socket is not needed. Ther is no discrimination between two protective devices of the same rating

 

[swisscheese]

80A 30mA

 

[ricicle]

Just get an IP56 socket then without RCD.

 

[Taylortwocities]

When you get the new one
Make sure you silicone round the cable entry hole
and
Drill a 6mm hole in the bottom of the socket box to let any water out

 

[swisscheese]

You've all been very helpful with your tips. Many thanks for your help!