Tripping MCB

[hjcymru]

I have a slightly strange problem occuring.

Over the last couple of days, the main switch on the consumer unit tripps. Upon further investigation, I can narrow it down to 1 circuit...one of the socket circuits. The funny thing is, that although I would try to reset the MCB throughout the afternoon, failing each time, by morning, it would re-set ok.

 

[JohnD]

The thing that trips will have some numbers and letters on it - can you make a note of what they are, and post here, please? Does it hav a test button? Does everything in the house go off, including the lights?

If you can lay your hands on a digital camera and take a pic, that will be a great help.

The socket outlet circuit - is it the ground floor? What's connected to it? EG a washing machine, shed, outside lights, pond? How did you narrow it down as the problem circuit?

 

[hjcymru]

The circuit has a washine machine, a boiler and various kitchen appliances on it. I have disconnected all the appliances, and it still seems to trip.

 

[JohnD]

The thing that trips will have some numbers and letters on it - can you make a note of what they are, and post here, please? Does it have a test button? Does everything in the house go off, including the lights?

Have you recently done any DIY, like drilling or nailing into the floor or walls?

Have you had any plumbing leaks?

Any signs of mice?

EG a washing machine, shed, outside lights, pond? How did you narrow it down as the problem circuit?

 

[hjcymru]

Sorry I will get the numbers, but I am in work at the moment....

I dont think the indicidual MCB has a test, the master switch does.

When the thing trips, all power goes off, but then I can reset all but the 1 circuit.

There are around 6 or 7 different dicuits. 1 for lights downstairs, 1 for upstairs etc.

The only diy I have done recently is to replace faceplates on switches and plug sockets. I have re-checked all of the wiring here and it seems fine. There is only 1 plug socket on the tripping circuit that I have changed.

 

[Qedelec]

Sounds like a trapped wire on the sockets circuit.

 

[Pensdown]

or a facia fixing screw through the cable