Garden circuit design

[Octopus]

For everyone else: read post # 35

http://www.electriciansforums.net/e...gulations/74813-please-help-3.html#post746812

 

[rattlehead85]

The phrase 'a little knowledge is dangerous' springs to mind. Alarm bells are ringing if you don't understand the working principles of a residual current device!!

 

[skamuk]

I understand how a RCD works, it monitors the voltage between L-N and if there is an imbalance between the two. The only way there could be an imbalance between the two is if one of them are leaking to CPC am I correct? and an rcd also has a cable that monitors the cpc so maybe this is what is causing it to trip... I don't know for sure this is why i'm here.

I didn't mean I have continuity between L-N L-CPC N-CPC, I tested for it, and got high readings all round. Murdoch asked what tests I carried out not what results did I get.

I'm not a registered electrician, but am at college studying c&g 2365 l2 and have near enough completed this year. Whole reason I'm on here is to seek guidance and learn from people who do have knowledge and experience... otherwise what is the point in the forum? So everyone can boast about how qualified and experienced they are, and have a go at the ones who aren't??

Every time I ask a question on here I get mixed messages, some wanting to help, others just want to harass you about your qualifications. I do appreciate the help. If it wasn't half term this week I would ask at college.

 

[dan86]

I do appreciate the help. If it wasn't half term this week I would ask at college.

you appreciate the help, but given the choice, you'd rather ask elsewhere?!

 

[Brightspark2]

I understand how a RCD works, it monitors the voltage between L-N and if there is an imbalance between the two. The only way there could be an imbalance between the two is if one of them are leaking to CPC am I correct? and an rcd also has a cable that monitors the cpc so maybe this is what is causing it to trip... I don't know for sure this is why i'm here.

No an RCD monitors current not voltage and to answer your earlier a question the RCD spur will not pick up a fault within the house. We dont install an RCD to protect against a neutral to cpc fault within a cable, we install an RCD to give protection for people using the circuit. Hence the SWA alone not needing RCD protection.

Seems like it's wired wrong to me....

 

[Octopus]

Do you own a MFT?

 

[skamuk]

Sorry yes it measures current and a neutral to cpc fault is one that it detects as well as a line to cpc fault. If there are 3amps being drawn by a load from the line conductor then the neutral conductor should also be carrying 3amps, if it is not the device will trip.

Yes I own a Metrel 61557 MFT.

 

[Octopus]

Sorry yes it measures current and a neutral to cpc fault is one that it detects as well as a line to cpc fault. If there are 3amps being drawn by a load from the line conductor then the neutral conductor should also be carrying 3amps, if it is not the device will trip.

Yes I own a Metrel 61557 MFT.

In which case time to dust it off and use it again.

 

[skamuk]

Got to go back to install a PIR flood so will test again then. Obviously I did something wrong when testing. Thanks

 

[Amp David]

Problem with this is the price of weatherproof RCD's is extortion!

Blimey, is 25 quid deemed as extortionate nowadays!

 

[Octopus]

Blimey, is 25 quid deemed as extortionate nowadays!

Well, if you are winning business on trying to be the cheapest then anything is expensive!!

 

[whichone'slive?]

Every time I ask a question on here I get mixed messages, some wanting to help, others just want to harass you about your qualifications. I do appreciate the help.

I guess it's because considering the potential for harm, some people get perturbed when they feel an unqualified (or not yet competent) person asks questions about work they want to undertake. It's not like your being advised on what kind of pointing you feel a particular wall needs...this stuff'll kill yer...or someone else.

I doubt it's personal. It doesn't seem that way, anyway.

 

[Amp David]

I was under the impression it was all a skam, thats all

 

[Ronyg]

You sure you haven't fitted a non passive spur, which means when the power is turned off it automatically trips.
If so you will need a passive one.

 

[skamuk]

Here's a link to the exact spur I've installed: Toolstation > Electrical > Extension Leads & RCDs > SafetySure RCD Spur Metalclad

I went back today and disconnected everything from the RCD spur except the feed in. It just trips, it will stay in the on position when the power is off, as soon as power is restored, with nothing at all connected to it, it trips instantly and then is impossible to switch back on. I have tested the SWA cable and all is ok. I'm really lost! Don't want to leave it un-protected really. The thing that is also leading me to believe that it's the wiring in the house is that the RCD socket in the kitchen also does not work?