Florescent issue query | on ElectriciansForums

Florescent issue query

Post new thread

Discuss Florescent issue query in the UK Electrical Forum area at ElectriciansForums.net

P

Pat Tester

-
Joined
Aug 11, 2007
Messages
169
Reaction score
52
Hopefully someone here has the necessary experience to explain the issues below.

Metal bashing unit with two TIG welders and a Mig welder. The problem is the breakdown of the switch start fluorescent fittings. I believe the ballasts are breaking down and leaking to earth causing nuisance tripping of main the 300mA RCD. I have swapped two out so far and replaced with high frequency units, but have had to remove two more from circuit to keep the lights on.

I have been reading up and have come across information regarding welders causing odd order harmonics that can damage the fittings, can someone explain the effect and possible methods to reduce or eliminate the problems.

I should like to explain that I was not responsible for any of the electrical installation, it was done by a friend of the owner !
It has already been necessary to remedy some crap work, shorting connections in metal boxes etc.

I look forward to the usual intelligent and knowledgeable reply's...

Many thanks
 
Sort by date Sort by votes
chrish_1977 said:
Is it 3 phase? And are the lights on the same phase as the welders? Have you tested the circuits to see if everything is ok cabling wise. If his friend has done it is he a spark?
Click to expand...

Lights are single phase but welders are 3 phase. Circuits check out ok IR with lights removed. wired in 1.5 T&E

His friend is a half wit and not a spark, apparently he asked down the pub how to wire the job !

Two 16a 3 phase socket isolators connected in series on one breaker, this runs both welders at the same time.
They also run another Tig (single phase) on the end of a 20m extension lead. No attempt to balance the lighting across the phases at all, he also thinks it necessary to drop two feeds into a triple gang light switch when all lights are on the same phase, all T&E in 20mm conduit. The owner of the business is an arse but it's on my father in laws farm otherwise I would touch it (him) with a barge pole.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Well as they are sockets each connection point within the socket is wired in series with the corresponding connector.
Perhaps I should have said two wall mounted Rotary Isolator 3 phase 16A 4 Pin switch sockets on one 3 phase radial circuit. or does this still not make any sense ? Perhaps I could draw you a picture, I'll just look for some crayons.


​
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
I think you'll find that's not a series circuit "two wall mounted Rotary Isolator 3 phase 16A 4 Pin switch sockets on one 3 phase radial circuit" do you know the difference between a parallel circuit and a series circuit? please do me the drawing, are you also saying the lights are on a series circuit?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
I'm not talking about the lights. All I have said is that the two Isolators are wired in series, see drawing [ElectriciansForums.net] Florescent issue query
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
The drawing and explanation you gave show a parallel wiring system not series, the reason you are picked up on it is its basic knowledge to know the difference... if we are to aid you in your query we have to first make sure we are all singing from the same song sheet or confusion will arise.....

Now regarding the said issue you first enquired about you need to use a meter to determine the mA leakage and start switching loads on and see which circuit or item plugged into them are creating your issues... swapping standard ballast type flourescents for electronic is counter productive to lowering the leakage as the electronic ballasts have designed earth leakage where as ballast shouldn't give any.

I would also be recommending a full Electrical condition report of the premises in writing with your invoice if you believe the existing is a saety issue this will cover your back a bit but any circuit you work on will need to be safe to use and meet the requirements of the Reg's it was installed under.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Upvote 0 Downvote
Ok I will attempt to be a great deal more succinct in future posts.
I have often measured a small amount of leakage even of switch start fittings and this would be fine if consistent, the problem is the fittings are all breaking down, possibly due to the Tig welders. I have measured this hence I am aware they are failing, I also know which circuit (phase) is being affected. I have measured 65mA on half the circuit (four 6' twins)
The high frequency fittings are working without issue although I don't know if they will also succumb.
I don't think they have a huge batch of bad ballasts
 
Upvote 0 Downvote

Reply to Florescent issue query in the UK Electrical Forum area at ElectriciansForums.net

Similar threads

G
  • Question
Strange issue - Who can solve my 'tripping' challenge?
Hi Gingerrubix, The fact that your previous Tenant replaced a faulty socket plate which he used for an external EV, raises an eyebrow. Also your...
2
Replies
25
Views
3K
Penguin
P
U
Old Firebird 90 thermostat issue?
Try disconnecting the "central heating off" wire from terminal 2 and insulate it (eg Wago connector or choc block or similar) and tuck it out of...
2 3
Replies
32
Views
3K
Avo Mk8
Avo Mk8

OFFICIAL SPONSORS

Electrical Goods - Electrical Tools - Brand Names Electrician Courses Green Electrical Goods PCB Way Electrical Goods - Electrical Tools - Brand Names Pushfit Wire Connectors Electric Underfloor Heating Electrician Courses
These Official Forum Sponsors May Provide Discounts to Regular Forum Members - If you would like to sponsor us then CLICK HERE and post a thread with who you are, and we'll send you some stats etc

YOUR Unread Posts

This website was designed, optimised and is hosted by untold.media Operating under the name Untold Media since 2001.
Back
Top