how fast does it go

[Pondy]

Ok, this is the scenario, been to a block of low level flats, four stories high, turns out it has continuity between the switched live and earth on the top floor. It has what I call a 'slow blow' the mcb does trip when it is turned on, but crucially it takes two seconds or so for the mcb to trip. I mentioned this to a guy who has more experience than me, he said it's because it takes a couple of seconds for the electricity to flow up to the top and then all the way back down to the board and then trip the mcb.
Is this correct? This guy is not a joker and I didn't what to say anything unless I was sure

 

[nickblake]

No not a slow blow there is possibly a fault ,, the electricity does not flow up when the lights switched on its always there , how ever if the Zs is very high it could well effect the tripping time , i would put my money down to a low insulation resistance fault could be caused by water or even rodent attack and the best way to find the fault is to carry our the proper insulation and r1r2 tests etc

 

[SPARTYKUS]

And a few seconds more to youranus. :ciappa:

Boydy

Thats useful to know Boydy thanks....

 

[Guest111]

What if the cable had a series of twists in it,this could cause the flow of electrons to become dizzy,and therefore slower.




If you can,t blind them with science,baffle them with bs

 

[nickblake]

What if the cable had a series of twists in it,this could cause the flow of electrons to become dizzy,and therefore slower.




If you can,t blind them with science,baffle them with bs

and if you bite it very hard

 

[Darkwood]

Speed of electricity - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A simplified explanation for the OP and Lucien ... i really enjoyed your technical terms lol 'Wibbles a bit'

 

[Pondy]

Thank you for all your replies, feel a bit of a berk, I knew it wasn't so, but it was the fact that he said was it on the top floor as soon I said it took a couple of seconds to trip and he is not a joker at all made me question myself. This guy taught me all I know (almost) and now I'm starting to feel worried!!

 

[Darkwood]

Dont forget about gravity it takes longer to go uphill

 

[guest119]

Thank you for all your replies, feel a bit of a berk, I knew it wasn't so, but it was the fact that he said was it on the top floor as soon I said it took a couple of seconds to trip and he is not a joker at all made me question myself. This guy taught me all I know (almost) and now I'm starting to feel worried!!

Fair play to you coming back on to face the music, respect.
Now ask us another :cheesy:

ATB Boydy