A fuse relating to wall sockets trips about 4 minutes after being re-set even though all the on/off switches on the plugs of all lamps and appliances are set at "off". Any ideas?

Oliver, March 2011

this type of problem is a pain, even though the switches are turned off you will need to actually remove all the items plugged into the sockets, put the trip back up wait for some minutes to see if the trip goes down if it doesn't then go round and plug in each item individually until it does trip ,this usually identifies a faulty item, ( remove it). If this doesnt work look for signs of corrosion behind the socket outlet or water ingress etc or look for signs of damage on the plugged in appliances.Are there any outside sockets connected to the circuit, if so look for water ingress. Always make sure the electrical supply is isolated when you are working on it

gman91, March 2011

You say fuse? Do you mean circuit breaker, Or is it the rcd that trips out? Dont just switch them off. UNplug every thing on the circuit. Plug things back in one at a time. Start with fridge freezer, if that is one of the items. ( a faulty defost cct will give the effect you say) If after the time it usually trips, all ok, Plug next item in. etc when it trips, its the last appliance plugged in.
BE CAREFUL. what is the total power consumption of all the appliances you are plugging in. Are you using extensions to plug more in.
IF it trips without anything connected, do you have a shaver socket connected in the house. If you have a shaver socket, could be that, OR you have faulty wiring/socket, and need to get it seen to before you have a fire.

Sheepdog, March 2011