Error message when taking Ze reading, any thoughts?

robd · Oct 25, 2010

Guys, was doing an earth fault loop test earlier with a Megger multifunction tester. Got an error message after a few beeps. Have had problems in the past with the same message and found to be a loose earth somewhere on the circuit, any thoughts on what else might be causing it. Circuit concerned is a lighting circuit, emergency lights and pendants combined, about 10 lights in all. Connections made by a.n.other, can go back and check them all if there's no other way

Cheers

Guest123 · Oct 25, 2010

Are you testing on Hi or No trip loop test???

Most likely a probe issue although I think you get a 'trip' message if a probe looses contact.

Have you checked the manual???

jam2020 · Oct 25, 2010

more than likely a probe has lost contact. the first few beeps are when initial contact is made and meter begins the test

WayneL · Oct 25, 2010

robd said:
Guys, was doing an earth fault loop test earlier with a Megger multifunction tester. Got an error message after a few beeps. Have had problems in the past with the same message and found to be a loose earth somewhere on the circuit, any thoughts on what else might be causing it. Circuit concerned is a lighting circuit, emergency lights and pendants combined, about 10 lights in all. Connections made by a.n.other, can go back and check them all if there's no other way

Cheers

You're testing Zs then, not Ze.

If you're testing on the switch-live, it is switched on, isn't it?

Lack of voltage will abort the test also.

robd · Oct 25, 2010

Yes Z's

. It's not a switch live it's the live feed into the last light, initially thought it was probe losing contact but tried 3 or 4 times with the same result, did it from the switch to make sure good contact. Could dig the manual out, I think it comes on a disk rather than paper hence why I haven't done so yet.

Lenny it's on no-trip as on a 17th board.

Cheers

ukpablo · Oct 25, 2010

try it at home? or on another cct to rule out probes & tester? also try with skt adaptor on a ring cct? this will also rule out CU. then try again on light cct in question on no trip on tester if an rcd in cct. also make sure you have a good contact on terminals. use all three leads on tester too. think i read another post regarding 6A mcb tripping on this test before???
Cant quite remember??
hope this helps

WayneL · Oct 25, 2010

robd said:
Yes Z's . It's not a switch live it's the live feed into the last light, initially thought it was probe losing contact but tried 3 or 4 times with the same result, did it from the switch to make sure good contact. Could dig the manual out, I think it comes on a disk rather than paper hence why I haven't done so yet.

Lenny it's on no-trip as on a 17th board.

Cheers

Are you using three leads - this is required for no-trip.

I suspect if you've tried it at the switch you are only using two leads (unless the install loops at the switch)

robd · Oct 25, 2010

Yeah it's a DP switch for a loft light so did use all three leads, was wondering if maybe one of the leads had come disconnected, sometimes they pull out...don't think it was, only one lead that could've come out would be the black lead otherwise the polarity signs would've flashed up...am back tomorrow for another look