Supply to 3 phase DB tripped

Midwest · Aug 12, 2019

As above, place I work at as maintenance, had supply tripped off at the weekend. Not some stuff I’m fully conversant with, so just seeking views here.

3 phase DB supplying power and lighting for rooms, using RCBO’s. Panel has this as main switch;

[ElectriciansForums.net] Supply to 3 phase DB tripped

The supply panel is this;

From what I can glean from the schematics, the supply panel breaker is 100A, and from the Eaton breaker it’s In is 250A, which seems unusual, two in series?

The supply panel tripped. No apparent reason. No one plugging in large loads, and no RCBO’s tripped. Breaker reinstated, and fine since.

Never experienced supply tripping like this. Cause for any concern, apart from me being there

.

davesparks · Aug 12, 2019

Th emost likely reason for the 250A mccb incomer on the DB is misordering, misunderstanding or the specifier just generally not paying attention to what they are doing. (unless it has an earth leakage relay or remote tripping device connected then it may be there for good reason)

Pete999 · Aug 12, 2019

davesparks said:
Th emost likely reason for the 250A mccb incomer on the DB is misordering, misunderstanding or the specifier just generally not paying attention to what they are doing. (unless it has an earth leakage relay or remote tripping device connected then it may be there for good reason)

Someone pushed the trip button? in error or mischief?

Andy78 · Aug 12, 2019

Overload would be my first thought, however I don't know the place or pattern of use over the weekend.
I can imagine a 200A DB with 250A incomer being overloaded past 100A though as additions filter in over the years.

I have also had it in the past where MCCBs trip when re-energised after a powercut due to the downstream devices all being on and the startup spike being too high. Any instances of that in your area this weekend ?

Pete999 · Aug 12, 2019

Midwest said:
As above, place I work at as maintenance, had supply tripped off at the weekend. Not some stuff I’m fully conversant with, so just seeking views here.

3 phase DB supplying power and lighting for rooms, using RCBO’s. Panel has this as main switch;

View attachment 51266

The supply panel is this;
View attachment 51267

From what I can glean from the schematics, the supply panel breaker is 100A, and from the Eaton breaker it’s In is 250A, which seems unusual, two in series?

The supply panel tripped. No apparent reason. No one plugging in large loads, and no RCBO’s tripped. Breaker reinstated, and fine since.

Never experienced supply tripping like this. Cause for any concern, apart from me being there .

Is there any under voltage monitoring that could have caused the trip?

Midwest · Aug 12, 2019

davesparks said:
Th emost likely reason for the 250A mccb incomer on the DB is misordering, misunderstanding or the specifier just generally not paying attention to what they are doing. (unless it has an earth leakage relay or remote tripping device connected then it may be there for good reason)

Not sure on your last bit, but don’t think so. Nothing mentioned on the schematics.

Midwest · Aug 12, 2019

Pete999 said:
Someone pushed the trip button? in error or mischief?

Unlikely, both are locked away, with us with only access.

Midwest · Aug 12, 2019

Andy78 said:
Overload would be my first thought, however I don't know the place or pattern of use over the weekend.
I can imagine a 200A DB with 250A incomer being overloaded past 100A though as additions filter in over the years.

I have also had it in the past where MCCBs trip when re-energised after a powercut due to the downstream devices all being on and the startup spike being too high. Any instances of that in your area this weekend ?

It’s just bedrooms & corridors. One of the team had a call out, reporting loss of power etc. DB was all on, then found the supply panel tripped. Powered back on, all ok.

Did have a network power failure early Thursday morning.

Midwest · Aug 12, 2019

Pete999 said:
Is there any under voltage monitoring that could have caused the trip?

Again not sure on that, but it’s a large place, nothing else gone off. Strange one. Somebody mentioned loose connections, but think we’d have more probs since Saturday?

Strima · Aug 12, 2019

My moneys on a momentary mains fails with a surge on energisation.

Pete999 · Aug 12, 2019

Midwest said:
Unlikely, both are locked away, with us with only access.

OK Mate but don't disregard it out of hand, some people have a devious streak, and master keys

Midwest · Aug 12, 2019

Okie dokie.

Midwest · Aug 12, 2019

Strima said:
My moneys on a momentary mains fails with a surge on energisation.

Looks like that’s got the vote.

Midwest · Sep 18, 2019

We’ve had some more incidents.

Some of our lighting, had to have a network reset. Had one incident the other day, and whilst walking back to get some tools, witnessed a momentary power failure, lighting going off, but more specifically heard the air handling power down, before coming straight back on again.

We have an independent supplier, who have inspected our main supply. Can’t see that proving anything, as fault is rare and intermittent. So wasn’t of much help. The regional DNO said they have no recorded incidents.

Is there any monitoring equipment suppliers can provide? Matter is being escalated.

Andy78 · Sep 18, 2019

Midwest said:
We’ve had some more incidents.

Some of our lighting, had to have a network reset. Had one incident the other day, and whilst walking back to get some tools, witnessed a momentary power failure, lighting going off, but more specifically heard the air handling power down, before coming straight back on again.

We have an independent supplier, who have inspected our main supply. Can’t see that proving anything, as fault is rare and intermittent. So wasn’t of much help. The regional DNO said they have no recorded incidents.

Is there any monitoring equipment suppliers can provide? Matter is being escalated.

Power data logger can be hired independently and set up to monitor the supply for a week or two.

James · Sep 18, 2019

Andy78 said:
Power data logger can be hired independently and set up to monitor the supply for a week or two.

Also, for a quick check, if there is any it equipment.
The logs from ups systems can be really helpful.

UKMeterman · Oct 6, 2019

Hi,
Try some of the 3 phase kit from here. Hire Energy Monitors and Power Analysers | Hire | Inlec - https://www.inlec.com/electrical-test-equipment/energy-monitors-power-analysers

Supply to 3 phase DB tripped

Midwest

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davesparks

Pete999

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Andy78

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Pete999

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Midwest

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Midwest

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Midwest

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Midwest

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Strima

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Pete999

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Midwest

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Midwest

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Midwest

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Andy78

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James

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UKMeterman

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