RCD tripped but resetting causes power to go off in entire house

[Mortimus]

Hi all

A few weeks ago we lost power to the oven and downstairs lights, checked the fusebox and the RCD had tripped (the same circuit also includes most of the plug sockets in the kitchen). We reset it, everything came back on so all good.

Yesterday exactly the same thing happened but this time resetting the RCD resulted in us losing power in the the entire house, but without tripping any switches on the fusebox. Flicking the RCD off resulted in everything coming back on except the oven/light/kitchen circuit. We tried turning off the oven, all lights and unplugging all appliances connected to that circuit but it made no difference.

Any idea what the problem could be?

 

[blup]

The fault is in the circuit wiring which the rcd detects as a line/neutral imbalance, so disconnecting appliances doesn't make a difference. It's possible that the rcd itself needs testing. Get an electrician in, he will have the equipment to test everything.

Blup

 

[oldbutnotdead]

Very likely you have a loose connection or 2 in the CU. Needs investigation soonish, could end up with arcing issues.

 

[ericmark]

I have to agree with @oldbutnotdead this is not a fault to sort out over a forum, you need some one on site testing, as getting it wrong could cause a fire.

 

[Mortimus]

Thanks for the responses everyone, I'll ask the neighbours if they can recommend a good local electrician, first time we've need to call one since we bought the house 5 years ago.