Power monitor

[k99]

I’ve got a problem where the downstairs ring main very occasionally goes off for a couple of seconds.
It only happens first thing in the morning and usually only know it’s happened because the router uptime has reset.
I need a small device I can plug into different sockets to track down what which sockets/area are affected.
The only device I’ve got is a microwave oven whose clock resets when power is interrupted, but that would be silly.
I just need something like a clock radio that resets if the power is interrupted for a second or two.

[StephenP]

How about a plug in RCD, like the ones you use for outdoor power tools?

I might be wrong, but don't they trip when the power goes off too? (and not just when you press the test button or have a fault). I'm pretty sure the ones I have do that.

If so, just plug it in and reset it, don't plug anything in to it. If it trips, the power has gone off for that socket?

https://www.screwfix.com/p/masterplug-13a-fused-pl...

Might be worth a try for less than a tenner

Edited by StephenP on Monday 7th March 22:19

[anonymous-user]

How else can you tell apart from the router? Did you rule that out as being faulty?

[k99]

StephenP said:

How about a plug in RCD, like the ones you use for outdoor power tools?

I might be wrong, but don't they trip when the power goes off too? (and not just when you press the test button or have a fault)

If so, just plug it in and reset it, don't plug anything in to it. If it trips, the power has gone off for that socket?

https://www.screwfix.com/p/masterplug-13a-fused-pl...

That’s a very good idea, yes a non latching / active RCD should work. Thanks

[StephenP]

wyson said:

How else can you tell apart from the router? Did you rule that out as being faulty?

Valid point! I blame tiredness for not asking the same thing!

[CorradoTDI]

Or it resets itself every night? if it's doing it consistently I'd bet it was the router doing some sort of update check or timed reset.

Could be faulty or by design

[k99]

wyson said:

How else can you tell apart from the router? Did you rule that out as being faulty?

A lamp plugged into the same wall socket also went off when I happened to be in the room. It only happens for a second or two so there’s no time to work out if all the ring main is affected.

[Paul Drawmer]

If the power is cut on part of the house and nothing has tripped; then there is an intermittent break somewhere. When this makes and breaks, there is very likely to be some arcing.

Get an electrical test done by a professional.

[anonymous-user]

Could try a socket tester? They are pretty cheap from B&Q, see if that shows an obvious problem.

Failing that, call in a professional. Can get seriously injured or start a fire if you don’t know what you are doing.

Edited by anonymous-user on Tuesday 8th March 08:37

[k99]

Yes I’m planning on getting an electrician in if it doesn’t end up being a simple fit.
I’ve removed most of the wall sockets and checked that the cables are properly secured and there’s no sign of arcing/ burning. I’m getting a socket tester this morning and will test them all.

The more I think of it, the more I think it might be related to a LG fridge freezer.
It was installed on a Friday and the first time we noticed a problem with the ring main was on the following Monday morning.
The freezer is powered via an extension lead (not ideal but no other option)

Might it be the LG? It doesn’t trip the rcd and works fine.
The fault only happens in the morning between about 0600 and 0915 and could go two weeks before it happens again.

On the other hand the house and wiring is old and we only moved in at the end of November so may not have noticed the power going off before.

[anonymous-user]

Yeah, I had my old house completely rewired, even though nothing was obviously broken because it had old style cables with rubber sheathing that was starting to crack. Definitely not good.