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Help! Electricity sockets not working

36 replies

phoria · 03/06/2017 13:00

Just suddenly. I haven't plugged anything in. My flat is all electric and the lights etc seem to be working fine. Everything apart from the sockets and cooker. I checked the fuse box and the switches seem to be in the same place. What do I do?!

OP posts:
wowfudge · 04/06/2017 11:41

The fact that the electrics are tripping out shows the safety devices are working. PJ knows what he's talking about; I'd follow his advice if I were you.

PigletJohn · 04/06/2017 12:34

you can try using the cooker, one element at a time.

Please try this:

Unplug all appliances from sockets. Turn off immersion and room heaters at their wall switches.

Turn on power to the cooker.
turn on one ring only.
does it trip?
turn that ring off.
repeat with other rings, one at a time, then the grill and then oven.

Now leave cooker "on" at the wall, but no elements on.

Plug in your kettle and toaster and turn them on. Any trip?

PigletJohn · 04/06/2017 12:36

p.s.
if you have a computer, tablet, phone etc, unplug them and their chargers from the wall socket. The switch is not sufficient.

phoria · 04/06/2017 14:05

OK, I just tried that - and nothing tripped! I then put back everything to how it was yesterday and tried the hob ring that had tripped it before and it didn't do anything.

The immersion heaters and washing machine were switched off yesterday so it can't be those.

Does that mean it's not the cooker and I can keep on using it?! Should I just get an electrician in to check the electrics?

OP posts:
SasBel · 04/06/2017 14:13

I would use them, but ask @PigletJohn to be sure!

phoria · 04/06/2017 14:14

Just would rather not blow myself up because I was hungry SasBel :)

OP posts:
PigletJohn · 04/06/2017 14:30

does it trip when you plug all your appliances, phone chargers and computer back in?

phoria · 04/06/2017 14:37

no, it doesn't! i'm so confused.

OP posts:
PigletJohn · 04/06/2017 14:51

I'm tending towards an Neutral/Earth fault. This need be nowhere near the appliance you were using when it tripped, the trip occurs when you are using enough current for the %age that leaks to reach the tripping point.

It's unlikely to be in the cooker, I think, unless the cooker had been standing unused for long enough to get damp, or had been washed down.

It could have been an accumulation of small leakages, but these would most likely have been in watery appliances like washer, dishwasher, kettle and immersion, and your PC, TV and chargers, so would go and return when you unplugged/re-plugged them (the switch is not enough). If your immersion or heaters are on a timer this can change the results.

There is a risk of "not my fault" if you get a cooker repairer in but tripping still occurs.

If it happens again, unplug everything else and see if that helps.

The next step would be to call an experienced qualified electrician who can test or leakages on your circuits and appliances. Start with a personal recommendation, then look them up on their Competent Person register such as www.niceic.com/ to check them.
You want someone who is not just a Domestic Installer (this is the lowest grade) and has some years experience.

There are several registration schemes, firms usually display the name and logo of the one they are in.

phoria · 04/06/2017 17:00

Thanks so much for all your help, PJ! Should I try not to plug in/use too many things at the same time to prevent this from happening again?

OP posts:
PigletJohn · 04/06/2017 17:20

the tests I described earlier should help narrow down what the fault is. Maybe there is some other appliance implicated. I think you should carry on normal life. There is a faint chance there was a transient cause like wet or damp. But if it comes back, or (better) if you can afford it straight away, get a pro to trace it.

Intermittent earth faults can be very difficult to find.

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