sockets keeps tripping Ask questions and find answers to many subjects relating to electrics and electrical work

[calon]

l was stripping wallpaper with the stripper upstairs and it tripped the electrics and now l cannot get the upstairs sockets working as it keeps tripping. l am assuming the socket l was using is at fault, water from the stripper may have seeped into the socket? The wiring l think is quite old the house is built in the 50s but had new wiring between then. Does this mean upstairs need rewiring?

[stoneyboy]

calon,
"Does this mean upstairs need rewiring" NO you just need to identify which socket has water in it and dry it out.
end

[ericmark]

There are two common trips used.

The MCB replaces the fuse and to trip it needs a lot of power to flow. If this is tripping then likely something has been damaged and it will require removing of damaged bit.

The RCD or RCBO which only needs 30ma to flow. If this is tripping then drying out may cure the problem. They always have a test button on these.

But if power tracks it can deposit a line of carbon. So if you have repeatedly tried to reset. It may need the carbon track cleaning off.

Water repellents like WD40 may help. But remember it will burn. So once used allow the WD40 to evaporate fully before switching on. Or there will be a big bang. Switch cleaner is better as this does not burn.

[calon]

Thanks for your response, it is now working.