Stop Extension Lead Tripping Electrics

r2015

Occasionally when cutting the grass the extension lead or the lawn mower will trip the circut breaker and off course all the sockets in the house go off, including the Sky box and router and my cooker clock needs reset.


Probably a blade of grass getting between the lawn mower plug and extension lead socket, that was what it was the last time.


I bought an RCD plug in adapter thinking this would trip before the main box but it made no difference.


Is there something more sensitive that will trip before my main circuit box?

TheCyclingProgrammer

If it's tripping it's tripping for a reason. You need to determine that reason and fix the problem at source.

Fault finding on a lawnmower is beyond my skills or knowledge however two simple things you could try is 1) Using a different extension lead and 2) Replacing the plug in order to rule out faults with either of those.

Strider590

Could simply be overloading the lawn mower, my Bosch Rotak will trip the circuit breaker if i'm trying to cut long wet grass and it starts getting jammed up.

It shouldn't be a earth fault in a lawn mower, as if it has an earth it's only there in case you cut the lead. So it's really got to be an over current situation.

Jackmydad

Should be using a shrouded plug and socket. A proper dedicated extension with the right plug / socket fitted.
Something like http://www.screwfix.com/p/masterplug-orange-connector-2-pin/46232
You shouldn't be dragging a normal 13A plug socket around the grass.

Check the lead isn't nicked or cut as well. Go along the whole length examining it properly.
Unplug first obviously!

ETA As casper_g says below. (Thanks) Make absolutely sure the mower or other appliance doesn't need an earth. You can NOT use the 2 pin type I have linked to if that is the case.
The 2 pin type are specifically made for 2 core cable and appliances that are double insulated and so need no earth.
As always. If in any doubt at all ask an electrician.

casper_g

Obviously don't use a 2-pin connector if there is an earth though!

ohreally

Lawnmowers are usually double insulated (no protective earth).