Discuss Intermittent Fault - 20 characters in the Electrical Wiring, Theories and Regulations area at ElectriciansForums.net

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H

hightower

Been having an intermittent fault at home now for a few months. All RCBO board, wiring 3 years old.

Upstairs socket RCBO trips sometimes, maybe once or twice a week. Always seems to be when we turn something on, for example a light, cooker hood, oven etc. I'm thinking there's a dodgy appliance on the upstairs sockets, probably an extension lead, that's creating an intermittent N-E fault. Haven't tested anything yet, I'm sure you all know how it is with jobs at home... I think I'll be beginning with a PA Test of appliances when I get time, but just thought I'd post up here to see of any theories?
 
Have you checked the connections at the RCBO?

Can you leave most of the items unplugged?

Got any water leaks?

Hung any new pictures recently?

Have you ramp tested the RCBO?

Have you ir'ed the circuit?

Have you clamped the tails?

Is the kettle working?
 
Dodgey extension leads are my first choice of inspection, had a client with 10 she bought from Wilkos in the 80's. Cause me loads of pain, in the end all were fluked. I also had a LG tv that was 3 years old giving a low n-e readings. Have fun! Tea on the hour every hour if I'm working at home!
 
Something this is permanently plugged in is almost certainly creating a permanent leak, not enough on its own to trip the RCBO, then when another device which also on its own isn't enough (and even cumulative with other similar devices) wouldn't normally cause the RCBO to trip, is not enough to push it over.
You could do an IR test across the circuit with everything that can be safely left plugged in and then work through socket by socket.
 
I've been putting it off because I know it's not gonna be a ten minute job. I even have an inkling what's causing it - an extension lead that is plugged in behind a massive bed that needs dismantling to get at. Oh well, job for the weekend, or maybe even bank holiday weekend since it'll be raining then by default anyway.

I'll update the thread when I do get round to it, but don't hold your breath
 
"A massive bed" - obviously Hightowers Cot!
 

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