Timed outdoor lights trip..then they don't?

[Deleted member 104726]

Hi all,

New to this forum. I have a weird scenario and wondered if anyone might be able to help.

I have a Grasslin timer socket switch (not digital) in my garage. This powers 4x lights outside my house. I have 70 Watt bulbs in each. When they are set to come on, at 6pm, it trips the entire fuse box in the garage. The fuse box powers lights in garage, three more lights above each garage door and the three electric garage doors. When I flick the trip (note it's not the trip for the lights but the whole board) it all works fine. We've cleaned and checked all connections to lights, seem to be ok, would this mean the timer is the problem or are the light bulbs too strong? It doesn't make sense that the timer causes the trip yet it works as soon as the main fuse trip is turned back on. Any help much appreciated.

Thanks

 

[telectrix]

if it's RCD tripping, i's be looking for water ingress in the outside lights.

 

[Deleted member 104726]

Thanks for the reply, but when I flick the trip back on, it works right away, would it be water causing the issue in this case do you think?

 

[Pete999]

if it's RCD tripping, i's be looking for water ingress in the outside lights.

Agree with Tel my first choice as well

 

[telectrix]

could well be. conductivity of water is extremely erratic. depends on whatever else is in the water as in any pollutants/chemicals/tree sap etc. the best answer is to call in a local electrician who will have the equipment to trace the problem. you could see what happens when the outside lights are disconnected from the timer ( both L and N need to be dissed).

 

[Pete999]

Thanks for the reply, but when I flick the trip back on, it works right away, would it be water causing the issue in this case do you think?

It is the possible cause, but then again without an inspection it's hard to tell, if the fault continues then a visit from a local Electrician would be advised

 

[Deleted member 104726]

Thanks guys, will check junction boxes for any water and maybe fill them with magic gel?

 

[Pete999]

Thanks guys, will check junction boxes for any water and maybe fill them with magic gel?

Make sure they are dry before you do though.

 

[Deleted member 104726]

Make sure they are dry before you do though.

Will do, thanks

 

[Octopus]

If the junction boxes are above the ground I would check the drain hole is open.

 

[Pete999]

Make sure you isolate (Switch the electric off) before you go opening box covers etc, at the Main Switch in the CU. Don't rely on individual circuit breakers as they will only switch the Live, not the Neutral.