3 Phase RCD

[Victor]

Having fitted a 3 phase RCD at the beginning of the year, I have just been informed by my client that it tripped out during a storm and that when he tried to put it back on, only one of the three phases was operational through the RCD.

I will go back and test, but any in the mean time any advice will be gratefully appreciated.

Thanks in advance

 

[Darkwood]

check the incomming supply to rcd unit more likely youve lost the phases upstream although its not impossible for the rcd unit to have a fault, it may have taken a surge from a nearby lightning strike, you may need to check the circuits attatched across missing phases just in case the storm tracked down them.

 

[Victor]

Upstream is ok, all three phases are working ok. Would appear that only the RCD has blown.

 

[Darkwood]

It may be wise to check circuits downstream as it may have been a fault current that did the damage even from a lightning strike also is the rcd a front end rccb giving overcurrent protection, if not clamp the power and check it isnt exceeding the rcd amp rating.

 

[Victor]

Could well have been a fault on one of the circuits as well, but all now appear to be ok, just the blown RCD. We are talking old french farmhouse in the middle of the country, very old wiring with mainly no earth connections to either lights or sockets and more extension leads and 3 way adapters than B&Q sell in a year.

I have given him a list of recommendations but it just seems to go over his head that he has a potentially dangerous electrical system. but to top it all the owner says he does not want to pay for a rewire!!!