Fault on socket circuit

[Grant McLaren]

I am puzzling over an intermittent fault on a ground floor/kitchen socket circuit. Initially it seemed as soon as the oven switched on the RCD would trip. However, after unplugging the oven, I used a socket tester on other sockets, which would sometimes trip the RCD. It's pretty random, sometimes it will trip as soon as you plug something in, other times not. Zs reading were fine. The ring main has been broken, although the earths are still continuous. From what I saw, the socket circuit has not been done well.

When I left the property yesterday everything was on, but I'm waiting for a call from tenant to say it's tripped again.

Any thoughts on what it could be and why it has suddenly started now?

Regards.

 

[Grant McLaren]

If it's just 1 socket being spurred off of a RFC what protection would be required?

Besides, a single double socket has the potential to draw 26amps,

If r1, r2, rn , R1+R2 reading are all in order then there womt be a break or spur on the circuit

I don't think that's right. r1,rn,r2 at the CU would only tell the ring is continuous, but it wouldn't tell you if someone had spurred off it. The R1+R2 at the CU, I'm less sure about, but I still don't think it will tell you someone has spurred off the ring. But this is besides the point: is a socket circuit protected by a 20amp safer that a 32amp?

 

[Spoon]

So now, as well as assuming the RFC is broke you are assuming there are multiple spar sockets coming from said broken circuit.....

 

[Strima]

View attachment 42418

You still got room after that pizza?

 

[Strima]

Besides, a single double socket has the potential to draw 26amps,

I don't think that's right. r1,rn,r2 at the CU would only tell the ring is continuous, but it wouldn't tell you if someone had spurred off it. The R1+R2 at the CU, I'm less sure about, but I still don't think it will tell you someone has spurred off the ring. But this is besides the point: is a socket circuit protected by a 20amp safer that a 32amp?

Ring testing isn't solely at the CU. r1+rn and r1+r2 should also be tested at each point, this would identify any spurs and faults etc.

 

[Dillb]

Besides, a single double socket has the potential to draw 26amps,

I don't think that's right. r1,rn,r2 at the CU would only tell the ring is continuous, but it wouldn't tell you if someone had spurred off it. The R1+R2 at the CU, I'm less sure about, but I still don't think it will tell you someone has spurred off the ring. But this is besides the point: is a socket circuit protected by a 20amp safer that a 32amp?

Most standard twin sockets are only rated at 20amps if memory serves me correctly, so you had better swap them for singles too then.

You have proven you have a limited knowledge of testing as you should carry out a R1+R2 at every point of connection on a RFC to ensure there are no spurs connected too it.

 

[Deleted account]

I'm back! But I'm definately out again this time.

 

[Midwest]

OP's kept you all amused this afternoon. I think you've all been had.

You could direct your enthusiasm and waste your time with the guy wanting to power up his mancave.

 

[Grant McLaren]

Ring testing isn't solely at the CU. r1+rn and r1+r2 should also be tested at each point, this would identify any spurs and faults etc.

ring testing at each socket? now that I did not know.

 

[Pete999]

Besides, a single double socket has the potential to draw 26amps,

I don't think that's right. r1,rn,r2 at the CU would only tell the ring is continuous, but it wouldn't tell you if someone had spurred off it. The R1+R2 at the CU, I'm less sure about, but I still don't think it will tell you someone has spurred off the ring. But this is besides the point: is a socket circuit protected by a 20amp safer that a 32amp?

ring testing at each socket? now that I did not know.

Not surprised at all

 

[Risteard]

If r1, r2, rn , R1+R2 reading are all in order then there womt be a break or spur on the circuit

And (R1+Rn) - although this isn't recorded in the Schedule of Test Results it still forms part of ring final circuit continuity testing.

 

[Pete999]

OP's kept you all amused this afternoon. I think you've all been had.

You could direct your enthusiasm and waste your time with the guy wanting to power up his mancave.

Not as entertaining as this thread, I still reckon he is a wind up merchant, no one is this dopey.

 

[Octopus]

ring testing at each socket? now that I did not know.

OH MY GOD

 

[Deleted member 9648]

I blame Trump, he's always derided RFC's and in fact stated on a televised debate with Hilary that he always converts them to 20a just in case they are broken. OP must of done his 5 day course in Trump Towers College.

 

[Strima]

Any popcorn left or has @elsparko eaten it all?

 

[goasis]

Surely a wind up, you've invested 100 s of £'s in test kit that you basically have no need for because, you don't know how to use it, and hey what's the point anyway if we can just make random assumptions.... I'm pleased the guy that mots my car doesn't have the same attitude..