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

darrenheaphy

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

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[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

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?

meercat

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

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.

listermint

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

darrenheaphy

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

listermint

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121726324#Comment_121726324

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.

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?

listermint

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121726415#Comment_121726415

Ah I see, then yes.

darrenheaphy

Thank you 🙏

webpal

Sorry to raise an old thread but which socket did you use after and did it work? I have same issue and have to replace

darrenheaphy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124375520#Comment_124375520

No probs, in the end I didn't purchase the socket, the electrician fitted an outdoor 3-pin plug socket (2 sockets) with a waterproof cover that folds across. Whereas the original socket (in the initial post) was inside the drain, this one is on the outside. I then clipped off the 2 pin plug off the pump and wired a 3 pin socket instead. I've no issues whatsoever since 🙌