230v Fridge works, Sockets don't? Help please (1 Viewer)

[Emmit]

This afternoon I went into the 'van (Hobby on an X244 Fiat)

Immediately prior I had connected the 'van to the mains. I attempted to connect a mains powered heater with no response. I went to the Mains fuse box,(complete with RCD) It was switched in the 'On' position but the trip switch wouldn't work. I jiggled it On, Off etc. a few times
I tried the heater in all the plugs without effect. The microwave which is powered by mains wasn't lit up, indicating to me that I wasn't getting mains power from the van.
HOWEVER, On switching on the 230v supply to the fridge the bulb lit indicating that the fridge at least was receiving juice.

At this point I made a tactical withdrawal because,
1. I couldn't think any further at this point without assistance
2. It was f.f.f.f.f.freezing

Anyone enlighten (not intended) me as to where to go from here.

 

[pappajohn]

The fridge bulb will be 12v recieving its supply via the 12v fuse distribution unit.

Try the hookup lead in another 230v house socket.
Check the 13amp fuse in the domestic 3 pin plug to h/u lead adaptor.
Check there is 230v at the h/u lead using a volt meter
Try another h/u lead.
Do you mean the manual trip button on the RCD....if that wont trip by pressing the button then there is no 230v power getting to the fuse box.
If nothing else 230v is working then it can only be the supply at fault.

 

[Badknee]

It's deffo a 'fuse' problem I would think. Along with the main switch and RCD it should have separate ones, on ours it's Fridge, Sockets, water heater.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Odd job]

if the rcd will not trip, you have no power. The fridge lamp may glow but is the fridge working? What is your mains lead connected to? are you sure that is on? Do you have (or can borrow) another mains lead?

 

[Emmit]

Thanks fellas,

You've provided me with something to help me freeze to death tomorrow morning!!!
I was intending to put the heater on a timer and have it tripping on for 15mins each hour through the night rather than draining down but I've bitten the bullet and pulled, or is pushed the dump valve and dropped the water. I was reluctant to do this because the last time we did we had a few problems with spluttering taps and showers.
In a 'normal' winter there's no need down here in Cornwall but this weekend promises to be a lot colder than we're used to.

Once again, many thanks

 

[Emmit]

Right. Own up.

Which of you rotten lot has sneaked into my garage when my back was turned and loosened the screw to the neg terminal of my hook up lead four complete turns. C'mon I'm waiting. (till Hell freezes over and that might be tonight)

Seriously,, how can a threaded screw undo itself sitting idly in a garage for three months. It was OK last time I used it.

We now have power. Thanks to all contributors.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Badknee]

Seriously,, how can a threaded screw undo itself sitting idly in a garage for three months. It was OK last time I used it.

Ah, that's electrickery for you! It does happen a lot more than you think but well done for finding it.

 

[pappajohn]

Seriously,, how can a threaded screw undo itself sitting idly in a garage for three months. It was OK last time I used it.

Who really knows.
We find it a lot while fault finding domestic instalations.

Once a screw comes loose vibration can loosen it further.
It may be that the conductor WAS touching the terminal last time used but the screw was already loose.

 

[The Dudess]

Seriously,, how can a threaded screw undo itself sitting idly in a garage for three months

It's the mice wot did it.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Emmit]

It's the mice wot did it.

We've got too much cat sh1t in the garden and under the 'van for mice to want to come calling.