Electrical question...any sparks out there !

[Adam4868]

Ok so the trip on our consumer box for the downstairs lights was tripping a few days ago.Reset it and all well,then becoming more frequent.Checked bulbs all seemed ok.Then thought outside light maybe problem.Took off and all seemed fine,all lights ok.Then tonight all the lights have gone out bar the interior porch light and the fuse hasn't tripped !
Any ideas ?

 

[slowmotion]

Are all the iffy lights on the same circuit breaker? If so, it might be a loose connection somewhere near (or on) the porch light.

 

[Adam4868]

Yes sorry all on same circuit downstairs.If I flick the trip off last remaining light goes off.I put the outside light back on to try it and worked aswell.So only front porch and outside light works ?

 

[Mark Grant]

Possibly a loose connection, lighting circuits are daisy chained, perhaps the porch light is the first in the run.
If you are competent and happy to do so, check all the connections in the roses and switches.
More likely the roses or junction boxes.

 

[Adam4868]

Possibly a loose connection, lighting circuits are daisy chained, perhaps the porch light is the first in the run.
If you are competent and happy to do so, check all the connections in the roses and switches.
More likely the roses or junction boxes.

Thanks I'll wait till it's light tommorow and I've a clear head ! Or try and get a spark.

 

[Mark Grant]

Thanks I'll wait till it's light tommorow and I've a clear head ! Or try and get a spark.

Trip the breaker first and you should be OK!

 

[Adam4868]

Trip the breaker first and you should be OK!

Thanks yes thought I'd cured it by removing outside light.Worked fine all lights ok for two days.Then tonight,no trip but all light bar the front two.Thanks for your time !

 

[Mike_P]

Water is often the cause of a trip, had it with a leak on the washer and a iron on steam. Check the isolation on any outside connection boxes etc.

 

[sleuthey]

Are all the iffy lights on the same circuit breaker? If so, it might be a loose connection somewhere near (or on) the porch light.

This ^^
It’s unlikely the outside light itself will form part of the of a radial main (daisy chain). There is probably a junction box for it indoors (may well be behind its switch) and this is the first thing I would check.

 

[Adam4868]

This ^^
It’s unlikely the outside light itself will form part of the of a radial main (daisy chain). There is probably a junction box for it indoors (may well be behind its switch) and this is the first thing I would check.

I'll have a look when home from work thanks ! Like I say the light in the porch and outside light are on one double switch and both work fine,no tripping but the rest of downstairs is off.Was tripping 3 days ago but could reset and fine.Then now nothing.

 

[sleuthey]

I'll have a look when home from work thanks ! Like I say the light in the porch and outside light are on one double switch and both work fine,no tripping but the rest of downstairs is off.Was tripping 3 days ago but could reset and fine.Then now nothing.

On that basis I would be unscrewing the Ceiling Rose of the PORCH light and checking all is tight (with the breaker off). The outside light probably piggybacks current off the porch light and the rose will effectively be the junction box.

 

[Adam4868]

Thanks I'll let you know how I get on later

 

[Adam4868]

On that basis I would be unscrewing the Ceiling Rose of the PORCH light and checking all is tight (with the breaker off). The outside light probably piggybacks current off the porch light and the rose will effectively be the junction box.

Had a look and all seems ok,both lights and switch.Im going to have to try and get hold of a spark Monday.
Beer and candles tonight 😁 I'll tell the kids it's like when I was a lad....

 

[sleuthey]

Had a look and all seems ok,both lights and switch.Im going to have to try and get hold of a spark Monday.
Beer and candles tonight 😁 I'll tell the kids it's like when I was a lad....

Got any squirrels or birds nesting in the porch roof?

 

[gbb]

Worth checking the light at the top of the stairs, its switched downstairs and is part of the downstairs loop.