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Outdoor septic tank pump tripping - should I replace the socket?

  • 05-02-2024 12:40PM
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 794 ✭✭✭


    We have a septic tank chamber in which we have a submersible pump, every couple of months the darn thing keeps tripping. I’m pretty sure it’s the plug, it’s very damp. Now if I plug it in, it immediately trips. The elements are visibly wet on the plug pins and the mounted socket looks damp. Should I just get an eletrician to replace the whole unit?

    Edit: I have a 3 pin plug (from pump) connected to one of those circular 3-pin outdoor plugs which plugs into this socket. I presume from Googling I'd better off just getting a waterproof 3-pin outdoor plug like the one from Screwfix here? https://www.screwfix.ie/p/british-general-ip66-13a-1-gang-sp-weatherproof-outdoor-switched-socket/389xh


    IMG_6615.JPG




Comments

  • Posts: 1,167 ✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Had that exact issue with a pre installed unit using a domestic grade socket.

    Any time there was torrential rain everything would trip. Replaced and no further issues but i wouldn't be going with that screwfix option



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 794 ✭✭✭darrenheaphy


    Thanks for the prompt reply, that's exactly it, heavy rain and it trips. I assume any of those outdoor waterproof 3 pin sockets would suffice?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,922 ✭✭✭meercat


    That’s a16 amp socket. Need to reposition it in a dryer area and replace with a suitable I.p one



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 794 ✭✭✭darrenheaphy


    True, I just assumed it should be installed in the same position but I could actually install outside of the chamber since you can see the wire is just connected on the outside of plug.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 34,217 ✭✭✭✭listermint


    Make sure its on an rcd and do yourself a favour put it inside an outdoor enclosure box. A sealed one.



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 794 ✭✭✭darrenheaphy


    Thank you, so something like this on Screwfix and additionally enclosed in a waterproof enclosure?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 34,217 ✭✭✭✭listermint


    That on its own is good, but your existing socket is a 16Amp one. Should replace like for like and put that in an outdoor enclosure. Make sure the consumer unit end is properly protected on the board end for outdoor supply.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 794 ✭✭✭darrenheaphy


    Thank you. I have one more question, I'm not sure if it's a stupid one! Given the submersible pump is a standard 3 pin plug, which is then plugged into a 16amp adapter which itself is fitted to the 16amp plug would I not be better off just replacing with a standard 3 pin plug?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 34,217 ✭✭✭✭listermint




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 794 ✭✭✭darrenheaphy


    Thank you 🙏



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