Master RCD switch cutting out - HELP!!!!

[Paul.M]

Max this dose need an electrician to resolve the problem.

Going by your description I think I know the what the fault is but I wont post it up because I know you will have a go yourself and that would be dangerous for a sparky never mind a competent DIYer. No offence intended.

The electrician should be ramp testing the RCD and...................

 

[Octopus]

Thanks for all your concern and I understand why I respect electric and I guess I show some level of competence which is why they gave me the equipment. The device they gave me was an Insulation Continuity Tester.

I used the Socket tester firstly around the house and I have found one faulty socket which L and N are wired the wrong way around although I know this wouldn't be causing the RCD to trip. As detailed I tried the continuity test between ground and neutral which returned positive so as described to me that shouldnt happen.

I have also managed to get in touch with an old school friend who is an electrician and describing some things to him he reckons it could possible be the light fitting causing it since its blowing bulbs much more frequently then it should and flickers/makes electrical buzzing.

I did also after taking a look at the outside CU which seemed fine and moisture free energised that circuit that that instantly cut out the main RCD in the inside CU.

So I reckon I have three problems:

A) Incorrectly wired socket
B) Faulty light socket
C) damp insides of the outside CU or sockets.

I will leave the outside CU in the sun tomorrow since its meant to be a hot day to try and dry out. Also going to see if my old friend will pop down to see me although its a long journey for him.

A. Wouldn't trip a RCD
B. Unlikely to randonly trip a RCD
c. Who knows?

And if the main switch is on obviously you wil get continuity N-E

 

[Max Carpenter]

I know you guys don't know me but I would 100 percent hand on heart not try to repairs just to dangerous and couldn't be confident it was safe that is why i have got in touch with a friend to see if he xan come down. I will admit I will look and even test if I am confident with the procedure but changing / repairing is another story.

 

[Max Carpenter]

also main switch was off when testing for N E leak I know it would be present with main on but was told shouldn't be with main off which is how I tested.

 

[Octopus]

Gentlemen.

Recommend no further advice or guidance to the OP.

 

[Paul.M]

Max, we have to draw a line at some point and I believe we are now starting to cross it. Pass this job onto your electrician friend or call a local electrician and tell them what you have told us. We have worked out the possible faults just by your posts, I'm sure they will as well.

ps tell the sparky bring a MFT and a Pz2 screwdriver with him, thats all he needs imho. This needs to be done by a professional and will not cost that much. Good luck with it Max.

 

[Phil]

Max what the members have told you on here is clear and concise. sometimes though it would be the equivelent to me trying to diagnose my engine management fault light on the car with a basic ohm meter. I am not into stripping my car down and sometime I have to take it to the garage. please treat the electrical problem you have at the moment in a similar way.

the best way forward is to get a professional in. if you like I could post a threat saying "electrician wanted" on here or you could go onto one of the schemes websites and search for a qualified electrician around your post code.
thanks guys for the replies and let us know what he says Max.

 

[Phil]

Elecsa - Find a Contractor
Part P | Electricians | Building Regulations - NAPIT UK
NICEIC | Householder | Find an Electrician

 

[Max Carpenter]

Thanks for all your information I respect you guys for trying to help and being sensible. I did speak with my friend last night and I have told him everything I have told you guys. I will pass on the information you have said to him to help him find the problem quicker just need to try and get him down here now Thanks once again.

 

[the pict]

I mis-read the tail end of Pauls reply, I read the electrician should be ramp tested ???
Pict