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No. They are not looked on favourably, but that's another story!I have plastic plug protectors plugged into some sockets, but the plug socket switches are switched off. Could the plastic plug protectors be a possible cause?
Discuss Sockets keep tripping in the UK Electrical Forum area at ElectriciansForums.net
No. They are not looked on favourably, but that's another story!I have plastic plug protectors plugged into some sockets, but the plug socket switches are switched off. Could the plastic plug protectors be a possible cause?
I would expect all the breakers to the left of the RCD to be fed from it, so if the RCD is tripped then none of those circuits will work, everything to the right should carry on working as before.
You might try unplugging everything that is on all the circuits to the left of the RCD, and seeing if the RCD will reset.
As has been said previously, a plugged in appliance, lamp, etc. with an earth to neutral fault can cause tripping even if switched off at its plug.
I would expect all the breakers to the left of the RCD to be fed from it, so if the RCD is tripped then none of those circuits will work, everything to the right should carry on working as before.
You might try unplugging everything that is on all the circuits to the left of the RCD, and seeing if the RCD will reset.
As has been said previously, a plugged in appliance, lamp, etc. with an earth to neutral fault can cause tripping even if switched off at its plug.
No. They are not looked on favourably, but that's another story!
Why is that? Could that possibly be the problem at all? Should I try unplugging any of the plastic protectors, or would it make no difference?
Worth trying, although if you've unplugged everything and the problem persists you really need to get someone in to inspect and check the wiring, especially to that outside light you mentioned if it's fed from the problematic circuit.
I am puzzled by this!Thank you for the reply. But some of the circuits to the left of the tripped RCD are still working, such as the water heating and lighting?
I am puzzled by this!
So just to clarify, the water heater MCB to the left of the RCD, and the lighting MCB to the left of the RCD, are continuing to power circuits that are still working, with the RCD off (tripped)?
Are you saying that because, for example, you still have hot water, or have you checked the light on the immersion heater/ water heater and it is still on?
Similarly with the lighting, if you switch that MCB on the left to 'off', do the working lights go off?
Have a look at this:Why is that? Could that possibly be the problem at all? Should I try unplugging any of the plastic protectors, or would it make no difference?
Have a look at this:
Have a look at this:
Thank you for the link, I wasnt aware of that and will make me think twice about them. What about any water damage to a socket? Would it be more dangerous with water damage to have a socket with plug protector plugged in, or without?
Water and electricity do not mix, any moisture inside a socket outlet spells big trouble with short circuits and or earth faults, if you must clean the sockets protectors ensure they are completely dry before you put them back in and switch them back on, you have been lucky to have not given yourself a shock or even worse.
Just to clarify, the RCD protector breaker to those circuits was tripped when I removed the plastic plug protectors to check them (plus I also had rubber gloves on), and yes the one that was very slightly wet behind was fully dried before plugging it back in. I then tried to reset the RCD protector breaker to those circuits and it finally worked!
The bad shock I had a few months ago was before I had any plastic plug protectors. That socket was in the kitchen and had nothing at all plugged into it at the time.
Water and electricity are indeed a poor combination, but I'm concerned about you receiving a shock from wiping sockets with a 'slightly' damp cloth and also the presence of moisture behind one of those protectors.
At this time it would appear as though the RCD is doing what it should, but in the general run of things you shouldn't have received a shock and no moisture ought to penetrate inside a socket if wiped with a slightly damp cloth.
Either we have very different opinions on the definition of 'slightly damp' or that moisture got there through other means. I can only opine on the basis of information provided, but something doesn't add up.
That's what I thought. I was shocked too at getting a shock! So much so that I wouldn't even plug anything in or switch any socket in the house on for a few weeks afterwards without wearing rubber gloves and rubber shoes.
It was a wet wipe, but wasn't very wet at all. The switches on that socket are very sensitive to switch on - I wiped across the socket fairly lightly and accidently switched it on as I done so, which gave me the shock. Nothing was plugged into the socket at the time.
I wouldn't expect moisture from a wet wipe to track behind a socket protector and cause tripping. While anything is possible, I'd be inclined to have this socket checked by an electrician and some basic testing carried out. If everything checks out and this incident does appear to have been caused by a wet wipe, I'd advise spending an extra couple of pounds and have the socket replaced as a precautionary measure.
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