fluorescent light fault current

[Ronyg]

I was wondering how much, or if any fault current fluorescent light fittings produce, it's just that I have 16 to fit in one area and was wondering If protecting them all with one 30ma rcd and separate mcb's would cause nuisance tripping.

 

[Marvo]

Depends on the circuit. Run a pefc and pscc test.

*Edit* maybe I'm not understanding the question, if you mean earth leakage current then it should be zero but if it's electronic ballasts with internal surge arrestors there may be around 1mA(ish) per fitting.

 

[Ronyg]

Cheers mate thanks! Yes I was meaning earth leakage!

 

[telectrix]

had same problem. 10 twin 5' fittings ona RCD was OK. added the last 2 fittings and RCD tripped as soon as the lights were switched on. fortunatley, the supply was a temp. builders supply. finished install had no RCDs on lighting.

 

[Ronyg]

I might stick each circuit into rcbos just to be sure!

 

[Marvo]

That would be 3mA per fitting which is hell of a high. I've never come across them that bad, I'd be tempted to return them as faulty TBH.

 

[Andy78]

Do you have to provide RCD protection for these fittings ?

 

[Ronyg]

I'm not 100% sure but possibly not??

 

[telectrix]

if the RCD tripped at 24mA, which is quite common then 2mA each on the 12 fittings......

 

[Andy78]

I'm not 100% sure but possibly not??

What's the environment, installation method, and/or specification call for ?

 

[Ronyg]

Agricultural shed, to be wired in 1.5 t/e and enclosed in 20mm heavy gauge pvc conduit at high level no chance of it being damaged or obstructed in any way!