Acceptable departure?

[mhar]

Been working at a large property with a tt system with a 100mA upfront rcd. Works undertaken in 2012 (inc 3 x split load cu replacements) were not documented and not done to an acceptable standard, I am encouraging the customer to seek redress.

When testing my additions the 5 x trip test is tripping the upfront rcd (with all loads disconnected). I would prefer not to temporarily bypass this rcd for testing purposes as it would be obvious that someone has been 'in there' since the 2012 works which might prejudice or muddy the waters re any complaint about the 2012 works.

Therefore my additions are rcd protected and meet disconnection times, I just don't know if the 30mA rcd which should be providing the protection is tripping within spec as the upfront 100mA rcd is tripping (within the spec for a 30mA @ 5X) but I do know that between both rcds, I am meeting the required disconnection times. Is this an acceptable departure?

The upfront rcd is likely to be done away with providing we can get a DNO earth.

I am unable to speak to Stroma technical today, they are innundated.

 

[snowhead]

Best of luck getting anything resolved on work done 7 years ago.
Surely if you don't link the out the 100ma you've not completed testing on your work.

You're not making any changes by linking out and clearly You have already "been in" the installation with your additions.

 

[Risteard]

I am unable to speak to Stroma technical today, they are innundated.

Try NAPIT technical.

 

[Nigel]

You can only be certain that the RCD you have installed works correctly by testing it. You cannot issue certification without testing it in full.

 

[westward10]

If the 30ma is for additional protection you need to verify the ×5.

 

[westward10]

Surely not testing at ×5 would not be deemed a departure.

 

[Wilko]

Hi - you could make a temporary change at your new board to test the rcd locally .

 

[mhar]

Thanks for the replies.

Surely not testing at ×5 would not be deemed a departure.

It was the sort of question where you know the answer but was hoping that because an rcd was tripping on the 150mA test, that would be sufficient. It is one of those jobs turning a bit sour and just want to be done with it, will return there tomorrow

 

[Des 56]

I would prefer not to temporarily bypass this rcd for testing purposes

If it were me I would prefer to do just the opposite plus you have let yourself now become vulnerable to criticism of your own work

Also I wouldn't give a Monkeys whether it was evident I had linked out the 100m/amp rcd in order to complete my own work

 

[James]

I would prefer not to temporarily bypass this rcd for testing purposes

If it were me I would prefer to do just the opposite plus you have let yourself now become vulnerable to criticism of your own work

Also I wouldn't give a Monkeys whether it was evident I had linked out the 100m/amp rcd in order to complete my own work

if you can isolate all circuits other than the one you are intending to test, there is no increased risk introduced from bypassing the 100mA rcd for testing your own circuit.
REMEMBER TO REMOVE THE LINKS AFTERWARDS