Trip switch keeps tripping.

upsykimsy

For some reason, I seem to be having problems with my electric. At the moment, the trip switch seems to be flicking off every five to ten minutes. This started about 5 pm this evening. As far as I can tell, it's not the lights, it's not the cooker (isolated the fuse for that to check)... but the main trip switch keeps going. I had the same problem last week, but then it seemed to resolve itself (which I don't understand).

Is there a way to find out what's causing this before I phone the electrician? Any help would be greatly appreciated thanks.

CharliLynx

The only way I suggest to find out what it is is to unplug EVERYTHING and gradually plug it all back in.

baldelectrician

What time does the central heating come on?

Unplug everything (not just switching it off) and switch off any appliance switches / fused connection units.

Also make sure the central heating is switched off.

Switch each item on one at a time and it's a process of elimination

If it doesn't fix it it may well be a wiring problem then you may need an electrician

You should use a competent person for the work, links below
In Scotland:
Individuals registered;
http://www.sbsa.gov.uk/register/ListAC.asp
Companies
http://www.sbsa.gov.uk/register/Sear...struction&ID=2
In England and Wales:
http://www.competentperson.co.uk

shandypants5

Its the washing machine I bet.

Is it the big main trip at the end going off, or just one of the individual circuit trips for the sockets?

The big trip is usually an earth leakage detector on modern houses, and any damp or wet wiring can trip it out.

Washing machine or shower wiring getting wet would be my bet for an intermittant fault.

macman

Which circuit is it that is tripping? Are your circuits just on MCB's or do you have an RCD fitted?
Usually start with items that mix water and power, so isolate the washing machine, tumble drier and dishwasher in turn.

smudger1964

This kept happening to me turned out it was one socket in the kitchen that the dishwasher was plugged into I just dont use that socket anymore and it hasnt happened since

shandypants5

smudger1964 wrote: »

This kept happening to me turned out it was one socket in the kitchen that the dishwasher was plugged into I just dont use that socket anymore and it hasnt happened since

So was the fault in the dishwasher or the socket?

You should really get it fixed, just not using it is just ignoring the problem and it may cause a fire if your unlucky.

upsykimsy

Found out, but not sure why it only started showing up a couple of weeks ago, it was down to a lightbulb in the kitchen not being connected correctly. Not entirely sure why it was tripping everything out, rather than just the lighting circuit.Haven't had any problems since. Thanks everyone that helped