I don't know if anyone can help, but my electric fusebox keeps tripping off after a certain amount of time. I have tried to switch things off , cooker etc. but it keeps happening. The only thing that has been plugged in constant is the fridge freezer due to it defrosting. It seems to be after a couple of hours it trips out. The fusebox I have is very old so there is no way of knowing which part keeps tripping as it only has one trip switch which is separate from the main box. Any help would be gratefully appreciated as I kept having to get up every couple of hours last night to switch it back on again..

Ian, January 2008

sounds like your main trip is too old and become too sensative you need to replace it.

d_coopland@yahoo .co.uk, March 2008

If the panel is a sylvania or gte you might have some serious problems with the connection of the breakers to bars in the panel; listen for arcing or popping; if possible look for discoloration on the breakers or wiring in the panel. We electricians wear arc flash protection to troubleshoot these types of problems, as the arcing can cause an arc flash that could burn unprotected flesh or melt synthetic clothing onto flesh.

JM Elect, January 2008

The Rcd that is tripping is either picking up an existing fault on the freezer or on the wiring itself, or the Rcd is faulty and is tripping for no reason. For this you would need and Rcd tester. My advice is to have a periodic inspection done on the existing installation, This will uncover any problems as to why this happens. You could also defrost the freezer and leave it unplugged for a couple of days, to see if the fault is on the freezer itself

Rob, January 2008