Troubleshooting on extension

MarkODon · Apr 19, 2022

Hi, just looking for a bit of help with a problem I have. I’ve done a bit of wiring to my apartment as we built an extension. The RCD (earth fault protection) is tripping when trying to use the sockets. The work isn’t finished and I just need power in one socket so the builders can use it.

When trying to solve this I’ve disconnected most of the other circuits and left it in a state that only one socket circuit is in use as that’s all that’s needed for now. But now it’s not working at all. This is how it’s been wired. All I’m showing is the main fuse, rcd, and mcb..
(all that’s still connected is the lighting circuits if needed I’ll disconnect them fully as well just really need this sorted ASAP)

Thanks in advance for any help.

UNG · Apr 19, 2022

What test equipment do you have as I suspect you may need professional help to solve this problem

MarkODon · Apr 19, 2022

UNG said:
What test equipment do you have as I suspect you may need professional help to solve this problem

The installation isn’t finished, I’m just looking to get one socket powered up at the moment. There will be a professional coming in at the end to do the testing with me. Is the wiring diagram correct do you know?

UNG · Apr 19, 2022

The diagram looks ok but I would still use test equipment to prove the RCD is functioning correctly and within specification once it's connected

telectrix · Apr 19, 2022

my guess is that you have the N in the wrong set of terminals.

richy3333 · Apr 19, 2022

or there's a fault on the socket circuit?

Jim_e_Jib · Apr 19, 2022

MarkODon said:
Hi, just looking for a bit of help with a problem I have. I’ve done a bit of wiring to my apartment as we built an extension. The RCD (earth fault protection) is tripping when trying to use the sockets. The work isn’t finished and I just need power in one socket so the builders can use it.

When trying to solve this I’ve disconnected most of the other circuits and left it in a state that only one socket circuit is in use as that’s all that’s needed for now. But now it’s not working at all. This is how it’s been wired. All I’m showing is the main fuse, rcd, and mcb..
(all that’s still connected is the lighting circuits if needed I’ll disconnect them fully as well just really need this sorted ASAP)

Thanks in advance for any help.

Is this a dual RCD consumer unit? If so, do have the neutral for the 'socket circuit' in the correct neutral bar?

Edit: beaten to it by telectrix

nicebutdim · Apr 19, 2022

MarkODon said:
The installation isn’t finished, I’m just looking to get one socket powered up at the moment. There will be a professional coming in at the end to do the testing with me. Is the wiring diagram correct do you know?

Given the fact you're in Ireland, I'm amazed your REC didn't insist on setting up the temporary supply. Isn't it an offence for anyone else to carry out this sort of work?

I could be wrong and perhaps @LastManOnline or @Risteard could clarify this point.

ipf · Apr 19, 2022

MarkODon said:
The installation isn’t finished, I’m just looking to get one socket powered up at the moment. There will be a professional coming in at the end to do the testing with me. Is the wiring diagram correct do you know?

No Matter...... a 'professional' should be involved before use. It needs dead testing and live testing before use. It's a builders supply and should be installed as such, and tested fully.
Seems to me the rcd is doing it's job.
What if a building worker were to end up hurt?

MarkODon · Apr 20, 2022

Jim_e_Jib said:
Is this a dual RCD consumer unit? If so, do have the neutral for the 'socket circuit' in the correct neutral bar?

Edit: beaten to it by telectrix

Yes. I suspected this to be the problem at the start, but when I was disconnecting some of the other circuits I did a continuity check to make sure the neutral was on the right N bar

MarkODon · Apr 20, 2022

ipf said:
No Matter...... a 'professional' should be involved before use. It needs dead testing and live testing before use. It's a builders supply and should be installed as such, and tested fully.
Seems to me the rcd is doing it's job.
What if a building worker were to end up hurt?

Very true. Thanks

MarkODon · Apr 20, 2022

UNG said:
The diagram looks ok but I would still use test equipment to prove the RCD is functioning correctly and within specification once it's connected

Thanks