Adapt this CU...........

[Octopus]

OK - this is a dual board, about 3 years old ......... 1 RCD per bank.

They are experiencing random tripping, and my trusty earth leakage clamp shows that both banks are running at around 21 mA leakage - so the smallest change plunges half the house into darkness etc.

Anyone know if I could easily source the parts to add 2 more RCD's (yes I realise some circuit consolidation would be required ....

Thanks

And no I didn't install this!

 

[Deleted member 9648]

Even if you manage to split that lot over an extra couple of RCD's there's no assurance that nuisance tripping of a bank of circuits will not be a regular occurrence. The client will likely assume that whatever you do will be a total cure.
I'd insist on fitting RCBO's regardless of cost.

 

[LankyWill]

I had the same issue on a stackable Hager 36 way board. Lots of electronics and control system were leaking due to design.

We added another neutral bar and put rings, cooker and kitchen on rcbo's. Problem went away, I think adding an RCD would be more hassle than it's worth.

 

[Octopus]

I think adding an RCD would be more hassle than it's worth.

I'm well known for my hatred of RCD's so another neutral bar and some RCBO's has to be the way forward

Time to email Hager Technical for the parts I need!

 

[DPG]

Which individual circuits show the highest value of leakage?

 

[dmxtothemax]

How does adding another neutral bar solve the problem ?
The only thing that makes sense is that it lowers the neutral systems impedance.
In which case that indicates a failing or poor neutral system to start with.

 

[Octopus]

How does adding another neutral bar solve the problem ?
The only thing that makes sense is that it lowers the neutral systems impedance.
In which case that indicates a failing or poor neutral system to start with.

Adding a neutral bar would enable RCBO's to be added .... then the higher leaking circuits could be on them, reducing the cumulative leakage on the current RCD's.

Having 13 MCB's on RCD wasn't a great idea to start with!

 

[jackhammerJIM]

How does adding another neutral bar solve the problem ?
The only thing that makes sense is that it lowers the neutral systems impedance.
In which case that indicates a failing or poor neutral system to start with.

Too much earth leakage going through the rcds . adding another neutral bar allows the earth leakage to be split across more devices .

 

[jackhammerJIM]

[QUOTE

Having 13 MCB's on RCD wasn't a great idea to start with![/QUOTE]

Bad design . Should have been a stacked board with 3 rcds . I installed one last year , it had a hefty price tag of £250 inc mcbs

 

[Pete999]

Adding a neutral bar would enable RCBO's to be added .... then the higher leaking circuits could be on them, reducing the cumulative leakage on the current RCD's.

Having 13 MCB's on RCD wasn't a great idea to start with!

Never seen a 13Amp cb

 

[telectrix]

not 13A MCB pete, he meant 13 x MCBs on 1 RCD.

 

[Pete999]

not 13A MCB pete, he meant 13 x MCBs on 1 RCD.

Oh right thanks for pointing my error out, I'll be more careful in future, promise. I presume the lack of an A after the 13 is a clue.

 

[telectrix]

it's OK pete. i'm feeling the early stages of dementia also, just forgot where i'd put my beer down.

 

[Pete999]

it's OK pete. i'm feeling the early stages of dementia also, just forgot where i'd put my beer down.

Know what you mean Tel I can't find me wine,hang on I drunk it all.

 

[telectrix]

never mind, pete, aldi is open till 21.00 hrs. send mrs. pete out. if you're lucky, might get a pie as well.

 

[Pete999]

never mind, pete, aldi is open till 21.00 hrs. send mrs. pete out. if you're lucky, might get a pie as well.

Not possible for Mrs Pete999 to get about much these days Tel, and to be honest I really can't be bothered, as well as the drink driving issue, I'LL wait till I get back from ELEX tomorrow. Pick up 1 or 6 on the way home.