BD consumer unit main fuse and right side of RCD and MCB's burning out

[tlijl]

God morning, I fitted a 6 waysplit BG consumer unit the other day and the right side, starting at the main 100 amp switch have burnt out, literally flames and melted the fuses!!!....it is a 3 bed house with the usual mains/lighting/10kw shower etc and they have a PV system. After the meltdown I attended immediately and replaced all damaged equipment and re energized, no problems, I also disconnected the PV system in case that was causing a huge spike. Everything tested fine at 246v 50hz. After the system had been on for about 6 hours, again in the space of 5 mins it went from cool regular fuses to darn hot!!...of course I wasnt there to witness it so couldnt measure the current etc, but told the home owner to leave it off and attended AGAIN later, when all nice and cool and powered up fine!!!!....Any ideas would be greatly appreciated, and NO they dont have a cannabis farm!!!.....Jon Little....tel **********

 

[HandySparks]

unless the house has 3 phase etc then usually the biggest that can be installed is around 4kw.

Eh????

 

[Pete999]

Eh????

OP whats 3 phase etc?

 

[trev]

Everything tested fine at 246v 50hz.

That statement disturbs me mate, what other tests were carried out when the first CU was installed? It was irresponsible to re-energise this installation, there is possibly a serious fault there although my money (like others) is on loose terminals.

 

[tlijl]

Yes, by a split board I am referring to a duel RCD consumer unit...

 

[tlijl]

Trev, many thanks for your reply, there are no loose terminals and I ran a full set of tests before and after energising for the first time and more since!!...

 

[PEG]

Hi dude,if none of the OCPD's on that side of the board have tripped,and it is failing the same,in the same spot,i would go for a board build error (not necessarily your error) as on that few number of ways,you should not be easily able to overload one section to that extent. I would NOT let go of this bone without finding solutions. Even if you,yourself cannot see an anomaly on the board you have fitted,you should re-fit another board,same or otherwise,as the seriousness of this issue,warrants it. PLEASE let us know your findings.irate:

 

[tlijl]

Thanks for your comments PEG, I plan on fitting a new board tomorrow, will let you know how we go on...

 

[Knobhead]

You’ve still not said what testing you carried out before making the board live.

 

[Marvo]

Enough!!

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