Electrical problem or Fridge problem?

JCR1987

I've got a problem with my electrics but I don't know which is at fault. Last night my downstairs sockets all tripped. Lights were on but plugs were off. Looked at the fusebox (or whatever it's called now) and the RCD had tripped. I tried all number of combinations to get it back on and the only thing that kept tripping the switch was when I plugged in the Fridge.

Is it likely that it's the fridge that is the problem or the electrics? Obviously I can't function without a fridge in the house but I'd rather know what the problem is before I go down to Comet to bollock them about their fridge getting knackered after just 6 weeks use if it turns out to be a problem with my sockets or something else.

Any views/advice appreciated.

kwatt

It's possible, I'd get it checked anyway as it's under warranty.

K.

Shambler

It's possible that the RCD is faulty but it is more likely the fridge.

Ideally you need to find someone to test it for you with a PAT (portable appliance) tester to check if the fridge has developed an earth leakage fault.

HugoSP

Try plugging the frindge into:

1) Another socket on the same circuit
2) the cooker sockert
3) Another socket on the upstairs circuit (via an extnesion lead)

this will confirm it one way or another.

baldelectrician

plug the kettle into the fridge socket, if this is fine then it's your fridge.