Advice on Main Switch Tripping

silkysmooth on 05/03/2023 - 08:11

Hi All,

I just wanted some advice or recommendations.

Since last Thursday I notice my main switch (grid supply) keeps tripping , it’s by passing all the rest of the switches and tripping the main switch which is a pulet MCB6/163 C63A 240/415V 50HZ 6000. Nothing else is tripping only the main switch grid supply.

I called electrician they seem to think it’s not an appliance in the house as it’s only tripping the main switch which he said it’s not possible to go past the 63A. He is learning towards a faulty switch .

The house is 12 years old and never had an issue before. I also have solar which was installed 5 years ago.

Any pointers would helpful before I start throwing money to try and fix it.

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • Overclocked91 on 05/03/2023 - 08:27

    Overload or Short circuit. If it were short circuit, it would always be banging out. So, it looks like it's overloaded. Otherwise, the thermal strip inside could be on its way out so it's nuisance tripping. Either way, you need an electrician to swap it out or clamp meter your supply to see how much power you are using.

  • foxmulder on 05/03/2023 - 08:37

    Is it always when you do something from the same power socket at the same time? Say water boiling with portable oven or toaster or griller? Or two desktops or more from the same power outlet?

    • silkysmooth on 05/03/2023 - 17:20

      Happened whilst we are not at home, nothing triggering that I can see.

      Fridge is running all the and solar. I’m wondering if it’s my fridge

  • SBOB on 05/03/2023 - 08:55
    +3

    Any pointers would helpful before I start throwing money to try and fix it.

    Probably listen to the electrician.
    Swap out the main switch and see.
    Get a few quotes if you want, switch is cheap, it's the electrician costs will be most of the job.

  • randomusername2017 on 05/03/2023 - 10:54
    -1

    before I save money and get a qualified tradesperson to fix it.

    • silkysmooth on 06/03/2023 - 20:17

      Thanks for the comment mate

  • boomramada on 05/03/2023 - 11:00
    +1

    He is learning towards a faulty switch

    The electrician is correct, happened to me, and required to pinpoint the switch and change it.

  • core101 on 05/03/2023 - 15:54
    +1

    The 63A main breaker feeds other low amperage breakers, via busbar or wire loops.
    Low amperage breakers have not tripped, only the high amperage main breaker has tripped, the main breaker is faulty.

    Another thing to consider is "B" curve type breakers are more sensitive than the "C" curve to tripping on surges.
    The main breakers are 80A and 100A, and look like "C" curve.
    The Bunnings 63A breaker also appears to be a "C" curve.

    • silkysmooth on 05/03/2023 - 17:21

      Thank you

    • bargaino on 05/03/2023 - 19:47

      $6 part, 5-minute job (2 screw-terminals, 2 wires) , yes one wire is live (LV).

      What's the quote?

      • SBOB on 05/03/2023 - 19:58
        +1

        Electrician likely use a slightly better switch, so maybe $10 ;)

        I reckon it would end up being a ~$200 job. That's my guess :)

  • Chris Topher on 05/03/2023 - 16:59
    -1

    Don't poke a stick into a hornet's nest. Get an electrician in. If he kills himself it's OK because he is insured.

    However, if you….

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