isolating fridge

[Jolyonwag]

Something is causing 1 bank or RCD (80A 30mA WRS80/2) to trip on consumer unit, intermittently. I think it may be the fridge freezer, but can't be sure. Is there a plug in unit (lower fuse rating) that I can insert between the fridge and the plug point that will trip before the consumer unit, so I can confirm the the fridge is the problem?

Thanks in advance for you help

 

[telectrix]

only way is to get some testing done.

 

[Dustydazzler]

This is the problem with split rcd boards , you can't plug the FF into the non rcd side to see if the tripping stops.
When I used to do re-wires under the 16th Ed we were allowed to put a single socket in for the FF as a designated supply. I miss those day

 

[UNG]

Something is causing 1 bank or RCD (80A 30mA WRS80/2) to trip on consumer unit, intermittently. I think it may be the fridge freezer, but can't be sure. Is there a plug in unit (lower fuse rating) that I can insert between the fridge and the plug point that will trip before the consumer unit, so I can confirm the the fridge is the problem?

Thanks in advance for you help

How often is the tripping occurring, if it is every 12 - 48 hours then it could be the auto defrost cycle on the fridge / freezer and the defrost element has failed
The only thing you could use to isolate the fault to the fridge / freezer is an isolating transformer if you used a plug in RCD on the output that would help to confirm the fault is on the fridge / freezer if it trips

 

[timhoward]

If the cooker circuit happens to be on the "other side" of the board i.e. the other RCD, and the cooker plate has a socket on it, then a temporary extension lead to the fridge freezer could confirm it. If it still trips it's the only thing that's moved.... not ideal but works in some circumstances.

 

[Jolyonwag]

How often is the tripping occurring, if it is every 12 - 48 hours then it could be the auto defrost cycle on the fridge / freezer and the defrost element has failed
The only thing you could use to isolate the fault to the fridge / freezer is an isolating transformer if you used a plug in RCD on the output that would help to confirm the fault is on the fridge / freezer if it trips

Very intermittent. Happened on Friday night, then 3 times today!
Thanks for the info re the isolating transformer. I will definitely try that.

 

[Jolyonwag]

If the cooker circuit happens to be on the "other side" of the board i.e. the other RCD, and the cooker plate has a socket on it, then a temporary extension lead to the fridge freezer could confirm it. If it still trips it's the only thing that's moved.... not ideal but works in some circumstances.

Thats a great idea! I have a socket ring on the other side of the consumer unit that I could access via an extension cable. Then its a waiting game...

 

[smart appliance repairs]

Simple Steps to Troubleshoot:

1. Unplug Other Devices: Unplug everything else on the same circuit as your fridge-freezer (lights, TVs, etc.). This helps isolate the problem.
2. Plug in Only Fridge-Freezer: Plug your fridge-freezer back in.
3. Watch the RCD:
   • If it trips: Your fridge-freezer is likely the culprit.
   • If it doesn't trip: The problem could be with another device on that circuit.

What to Do Next:

• If the fridge-freezer is the problem: You'll likely need a qualified appliance technician to fix the electrical fault within the appliance.
• If the problem is on the circuit: You might need an electrician to identify further issues.

Important:

• Turn off the power at the circuit breaker before unplugging or plugging anything in.
• Don't use extension cords for a long-term solution.