RCD tripping switchless socket?

[mattgriff88]

Hi,

I swapped a 2 gang switched socket for a 2 gang switchless socket with usb ports downstairs.

I switched off all the power to the house by pulling down the double red switch on the rcd box.

When I turned it back on the individual rcd switch for the downstairs circuit tripped.
I turned everything back off to check I had wired up the socket correctly and I had.

I turned the rcd back on but the individual switch for the downstairs circuit tripped again.
I pushed it back up and everything works fine and have done for the last few days.

Is this normal for a switchless socket to do this?

Thanks

 

[DPG]

Hi,

I swapped a 2 gang switched socket for a 2 gang switchless socket with usb ports downstairs.

I switched off all the power to the house by pulling down the double red switch on the rcd box.

When I turned it back on the individual rcd switch for the downstairs circuit tripped.
I turned everything back off to check I had wired up the socket correctly and I had.

I turned the rcd back on but the individual switch for the downstairs circuit tripped again.
I pushed it back up and everything works fine and have done for the last few days.

Is this normal for a switchless socket to do this?

Thanks

The fact that the socket is switchless is not relevant. I'd be suspecting a fault with the USB socket circuit.

Is it a reputable brand? Have you got another one you could try?

Out of interest, why do you want switchless sockets?

 

[nicebutdim]

Another likely possibility is damaged cable insulation causing a short to wall box or plate screw.

 

[DPG]

Another likely possibility is damaged cable insulation causing a short to wall box or plate screw.

Good point, I should have mentioned that.

 

[mattgriff88]

Thanks for the replies.

Socket was bought from screwfix and is BG branded.

Only reason it's switchless is because it was cheaper that a switched.
It's a socket that will always have the same 2 devices plugged in and never have the need to switch off.

I will have another look this evening to see if I can see any damage to cables and also try the old socket to see if this also now causes the problem.

Thanks

 

[DPG]

Thanks for the replies.

Socket was bought from screwfix and is BG branded.

Only reason it's switchless is because it was cheaper that a switched.
It's a socket that will always have the same 2 devices plugged in and never have the need to switch off.

I will have another look this evening to see if I can see any damage to cables and also try the old socket to see if this also now causes the problem.

Thanks

Speaking personally I would recommend switched sockets. It's not critical, but preferred.

Let us know how you get on.

 

[nicebutdim]

Damage would be easy to see if a cable has been caught by a plate screw, but could equally be a tiny nick which is nigh on impossible to see.

 

[mattgriff88]

Bit of a strange one this.
I tried the old double socket to see if it would trip and it didn't. Worked perfectly.

There are 2 earth inputs on the new double socket so I wired the new socket up again but this time I used the other earth input. (Both are connected anyway so can't see what difference it would make)

Guess what worked perfectly did not trip??

Cables look fine inside the box also no nicks or anything.

 

[westward10]

I suspect you have damaged a wire but now it is free from whatever it was shorting on.