Any thoughts on this old thing?

[timhoward]

Quite old main switch RCD, it occasionally trips (every day or two), then won't turn on until all breakers are off.
Ramp test at time of testing was 25ma, earth leakage meter said 5ma (so consistent).
Is the RCD likely to simply be old?! Are they tetchy switching on under load?

Haven't got into IR testing yet. Their initial enquiry was for a CU change so a DP RCBO board will likely solve all issues or worst case show up anything that has intermittent faults.

 

[loz2754]

I didn't know Westy specialised in the lack of grommet strips.

 

[timhoward]

I didn't know Westy specialised in the lack of grommet strips.

Fair! I was expecting some in the brown envelope and they were missing. I decided as the wall opening was higher than the lower edge I wouldn't lose too much sleep over it.

That still wasn't the thing I was thinking of though! It will be interesting to see how many more things I've done....!
It's something the original installer also did.

 

[nicebutdim]

Polarity reversed at incoming tails?

 

[timhoward]

Polarity reversed at incoming tails?

Good God man you know how to make someone's heart skip a beat!
No, we both got that right!
(One of my biggest concerns was the length of the main N but it worked out ok, just!)

No, it's a very minor thing, as we all tend to be a pedantic bunch I was expecting someone to slap me for it straight away.
It would probably first be noticed if you had to test certain circuits.

 

[nicebutdim]

Good God man you know how to make someone's heart skip a beat!
No, we both got that right!
(One of my biggest concerns was the length of the main N but it worked out ok, just!)

No, it's a very minor thing, as we all tend to be a pedantic bunch I was expecting someone to slap me for it straight away.
It would probably first be noticed if you had to test certain circuits.

Not familiar with that old incomer and didn't want to assume busbar connection to it, but lettering appeared to show 'L' above left terminal.

 

[Dustydazzler]

Bonding in the right hand earth terminals meaning every cicruit is shuffled to the left

 

[loz2754]

Bonding in the right hand earth terminals meaning every cicruit is shuffled to the left

That's ok with this consumer unit. It starts numbering further along.

 

[loz2754]

I didn't know Westy was a stickler for sharing earth sleeving with multiple conductors.

 

[timhoward]

Bonding in the right hand earth terminals meaning every cicruit is shuffled to the left

Ah they were a little short... and there are some spare terminals.

I didn't know Westy was a stickler for sharing earth sleeving with multiple conductors.

That's the one I was thinking of. And maybe he isn't, maybe it's just sleeving size?!

The original had the CPC's twisted together impressively tightly to the degree I didn't want to risk unwinding them.
So did testing at a socket and left them well alone.

 

[Dustydazzler]

If the cores are really short but just about reach one side of the bar then i will always do what you have done and just shuffle everything down / up to avoid jointing cables.

Likewise if the cores are alrteady twisted within an inch of their life it is often better to leave alone than risk unwinding them just to have it snap right at the top of the cable.

Don't teach stuff like this in the class room

 

[westward10]

Why do I keep getting a mention. Would have definitely resleeved those cpcs and the sharpie marks on the ring finals weren't necessary, don't like sharpie marks.

 

[timhoward]

the sharpie marks on the ring finals weren't necessary, don't like sharpie marks.

I'm always happy to learn new tricks. What do others do? Mark cable sheaths where visible? Cable marker clips? Trust you keep them in same order?
My old gaffer used to put nicks in the cables which I never liked!

The number of times I find one leg of a ring swapped with an immersion heater has left with me no qualms about leaving future electricians clues! But I'm open to better ways.

 

[loz2754]

I'm a shameless Sharpie charlatan. But I agree it looks ugly. I have used tape 'flags' and marked the tape with a Sharpie, but they are prone to coming off the cables when the old fuse box is removed.

 

[Dustydazzler]

Hate when peoplle nick the cable , some older sparks I worked with did this and to me was just rough house...

a white tape flag and write on on in biro when doing board swaps was probably me go to, or a little dyno lable

 

[nicebutdim]

Hate when peoplle nick the cable , some older sparks I worked with did this and to me was just rough house...

Fairly common practice with lighting as nicks won't fall or wear off, but never seen anyone nick cables that are ready to terminate.