pye  

Paul Yates Electrical

Advice

Domestic electricity,     What to do if ......

your sockets all cease to work, and the RCD has tripped.....

RCD  (Residual Current Device) sometimes built into the fusebox (consumer unit) & sometimes a separate box

If your ceiling lights still work and your socket outlets do not, then it is most likely that the Ring main fuse/ circuit breaker has blown/ tripped. It could also be a tripped R.C.D.

Like a circuit breaker a RCD needs to be re-set. They often have a small switch, which when tripped will indicate OFF. Reset the RCD and if the problem or fault was transitory, then your RCD  will allow the circuit to function as normal. If however the fault is still present then RCD breaker will trip again and you will probably need to call a qualified electrician.RCD's can be extremely sensetive and a wet washing machine or kettle base can easily cause the RCD to trip.

Most household sockets are connected to ring main circuits, usually protected by a 30 Amp fuse or 32 Amp circuit breaker.

Return to 'What to do if..'  page
The following advice pages are only generalized and if you are in any way uncertain of the details or advice given then consult a Qualified Electrician.

Back to Main page