Weird Electrium Consumer Unit B4471/2?

[SiFiSu]

Hi, I am having weird behaviour from my flat's electrics which I think will need an electrician. The flat is empty whilst it is being redecorated and there is nothing plugged in.

With no load the RCD trips some days and will not reset but other times is fine. I have discovered that if I switch off the MCB for the 13A sockets in the bedroom and living room it will reset.

As it is an intermittent fault, even when there is no load, should I be suspecting the consumer unit or MCB? And if so will I need a new consumer unit or are replacement MCBs still available?

Sorry for all my questions but I would like to understand what is the likely problem, thank you, Simon

 

[Wilko]

Hi - sorry to hear about the unexpected RCD trips. There are several things it could be and it will likely take a test instrument and an experienced operator to find it.

Hopefully there’s nothing wrong with the CU. I’m not familiar with the model number to comment on parts. Can you post a pic?

 

[James]

If it is empty and being decorated, it is possible that damp has got to some socket(s)

As above, it really needs someone with an insulation tester to trace the problem down to a particular point in the wiring.

 

[SiFiSu]

Hi - sorry to hear about the unexpected RCD trips. There are several things it could be and it will likely take a test instrument and an experienced operator to find it.

Hopefully there’s nothing wrong with the CU. I’m not familiar with the model number to comment on parts. Can you post a pic?

Here is the consumer unit, its a MK one

 

[Wilko]

Hi - the modern MK version of those MCB and RCD can still be bought if required. I always advise turning the main switch off before taking the cover off - less surprises that way especially as we know there’s a fault somewhere .

 

[SiFiSu]

If it is empty and being decorated, it is possible that damp has got to some socket(s)

As above, it really needs someone with an insulation tester to trace the problem down to a particular point in the wiring.

If it is empty and being decorated, it is possible that damp has got to some socket(s)

As above, it really needs someone with an insulation tester to trace the problem down to a particular point in the wiring.

Thanks, I know it does not test for insulation issues but I bought from Screwfix one of those socket testers, it was less than a tenner, more out of curiosity than anything. Anyway it showed that all the sockets were wired up correctly!! HOWEVER on one socket when I switched off the socket the tester buzzed very quietly which suggested to me (I'm no electrician) that something was amiss. I assume the positive was switched but where was the power coming from to make the tester buzz?? All speculations etc welcome, many thanks, Simon
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Hi - the modern MK version of those MCB and RCD can still be bought if required. I always advise turning the main switch off before taking the cover off - less surprises that way especially as we know there’s a fault somewhere .

Yes sorry about that, I'm an oldie and should know better