Electricity query, Trip Switch

AMTE_21

Our house, built in 1987, the trip switch “trips” when something goes wrong, okay. It has twice tripped while we were not using any equipment, at nighttime and now when we were on holidays so came back to no electricity. It seems to only affect sockets in the kitchen and hall on the left of the house. We’ve had an electrician look at it a few times, but no joy. Any thoughts anyone. It’s ok if we’re in the house but now it’s a worry when we go on holidays.

muffler

A proper electrician should be able to find the fault.

10-10-20

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058417084/electricity-query-trip-switch

Which 'switch' trips when the fault occurs, is it a circuit breaker or an RCD (a photo might help)? Sometimes that help us point you in the right direction.

AMTE_21

It’s the blue switch on the right of the fusebox, I think it says Test above it.

I think that’s the main trip switch?

10-10-20

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123564960#Comment_123564960

If it has test written on it then it's an residual current fault detector (RCD or an RCBO). It implies that you could be having a problem where the insulation on a device is damaged or perhaps there is a water leak on one device or even an out-door socket which is taking on water.

That might help you isolate the problem as for example you might notice that the trip occurs when the dishwasher is running, or it's raining outside, or a particular kettle is used, etc.

But as muffler said, a descent electrician should be able to trace that type of fault. It's bread & butter to them really.