Circuit Breaker Alarm

[Graham81]

Dear All

Is there a simple way of rigging up an alarm (sound or light) to alert me when a circuit breaker goes? The reason I ask is that about twice a year the circuit for my outside electrics will go and as I have a chest freezer running in my garage unless I notice within hours I end up with a lot of defrosted food.

Thanks in advance.

 

[333rocky333]

You can get plug in units for that purpose, providing its connected to any socket from the relevant mcb it would indicate the mcb going off.

some Mcccb's have option for remote monitoring but i dont recall any mcb's

 

[Graham81]

Thanks for the reply. Don't suppose you could post a link to such a plug in item?

 

[333rocky333]

Sorry not from memory but im sure theres ones for about 20 pound, if you google, but avoid foreign tat as it may not be uk plug
There is more expensive ones that phone and text you, but possibly a bit over the top
http://www.ultrasecuredirect.com/acatalog/gsm_kp_mini_power_failure.html

 

[Gutterball]

i have a emergency light on the front of the garage. if the breaker or rcd trips the light comes on.

 

[jtonline]

Another option that may be suitable is a thermometer with alarm.

For example, this one has an approx. 20m wireless transmission range: Digitron FM25 Wireless Digital Thermometer

 

[SimonH2]

As an aside, how many "domestic" CUs have the option of adding aux contacts to breakers ? This would be the ideal option - just add an aux contact to any breakers you want to monitor, and use them to activate a buzzer (or whatever) off a circuit that's not likely to trip without notice (such as an inside lighting circuit).

 

[RF Lighting]

GSM dialler and a 230V relay should do it pretty well