Question: Electrical Problem

[fittobethaied]

I purchased a new home in 2011, and I have never had a problem with the electrical system until now. For the past few weeks, anytime I am running my 2 a/c units and my wife, or myself, is taking a shower with the hot water heater going, the main shuts off. We have to turn off 1 a/c and flip the main switch back on to complete the shower. Any suggestions on what the problem could be? Any advice would be appreciated. 

[johng]

Put the shower and 2 AC units on separate breakers/fuses..that might require running new separate cables to each appliance.

[Crossy]

Could you post a photo of the distribution board with the lid off (care please)?

 

We need to see what you have.

[novacova]

37 minutes ago, fittobethaied said:

I purchased a new home in 2011, and I have never had a problem with the electrical system until now.

Since it’s a recent issue, might be due to a faulty appliance or a short, it would be advised to make sure there’s no issues there first. Would inspect the a/c’s and make sure they’re clean the boards aren’t hot and the compressor fans aren’t dragging. And don’t mess with electrical stuff if you’re not sure what you’re doing.

[fittobethaied]

4 hours ago, Crossy said:

Could you post a photo of the distribution board with the lid off (care please)?

 

We need to see what you have.

The 2 A/C's and shower heater are all on separate breakers. 10 breakers are being used, and two are not being used. And, I promise I won't be messing with it because I don't have a clue about electrical wiring. 

[couchpotato]

Had a similar problem last year. It was the water heater tripping the breaker, so as you have a separate hot water heater, that is more than likely your problem. If its the same heater since 2011, then I would just replace it anyway as its way past its due date. 

[Crossy]

How big are your A/C units (BTU) and your water heater (kW)?

 

To be clear it's the big blue breaker on the left that's tripping not the red one?

 

If this is the case, and this being a 63A breaker, initially I'd be tending to think it's a faulty breaker tripping early.

 

 

 

[BritManToo]

5 hours ago, fittobethaied said:

I purchased a new home in 2011, and I have never had a problem with the electrical system until now. For the past few weeks, anytime I am running my 2 a/c units and my wife, or myself, is taking a shower with the hot water heater going, the main shuts off. We have to turn off 1 a/c and flip the main switch back on to complete the shower. Any suggestions on what the problem could be? Any advice would be appreciated. 

I had a similar problem last week.

All the wiring from the fuse box to the ceiling box had melted in the trunking, in the wall.

No burning smell at all, but all had melted when the electrician pulled them out.

 

I asked why,

Electrician said original wiring used wire with substandard insulation, lasted 12 years then burned.

 

Good luck!