RCBO socket circuit tripping.

[GBDamo]

I'm stuck here fellas.

I have a radial with only one double socket outlet in 2.5mm T&E on a 20A RCBO running five meters in surface mounted trunking. TN-S, R1 and R2 good, 243V measured, Ze 0.12, Zdb 0.29, Zs 0.36, IR all +200MOhms.

RCD trip tests all ok at 0 and 180 and ramp 24mA.

Now these sockets are only used for one thing, two 580W water distillers.

Both have been clamped during operation and are drawing 2.4-2.6A as expected.

Both have been IR tested L-E & N-E and +200MOhms.

I am stumped to the point where I may run in a new socket on a new RCBO, cost not an issue the customer just wants it stopped.

My concern is the issue could be with one or both the distillers units and not the circuit.

I don't have a low current clamp meter so cannot measure earth leakage directly.

Any ideas where to look next, I'm still on the job by the way.

 

[Deleted member 105166]

Wire a manual time switch into the circuit, so you can see what time it trips. Reset the time switch and repeat for a couple of nights. May give some clues.

 

[DT1991]

Hi,

With your ramp test was the readings consistent?

 

[Stspark]

Just passed PAT test..

A proper PAT with a mains voltage tester, testing for a true earth leakage, or a pass/fail simulated tester? Big difference.

 

[DT1991]

Hi,

With your ramp test was the readings consistent?

 

[GBDamo]

A proper PAT with a mains voltage tester, testing for a true earth leakage, or a pass/fail simulated tester? Big difference.

The latter unfortunately.

 

[GBDamo]

Hi,

With your ramp test was the readings consistent?

Yes.

 

[Jim_e_Jib]

If only they'd listen.

I am looking for a manual as we speak as I cannot see how they control other than thermal trip.

Aquadist Euronda

There's a manual in German here:

Aquadist 2G Wasser-Destilliergerät - https://www.euronda.de/aquadist-wasser-destilliergeraet

Google translate may help if your German is about as good as mine...

 

[SparkyAndGeorge]

What's a T earth? Auto correct fail?

Mk 13AMP 2 GANG DOUBLE POLE NON STANDARD SWITCHED SOCKET OUTLET - https://www.superlecdirect.com/p-k1246whi-mk-13amp-2-gang-double-pole-non-standard-switched-socket-outlet?gclid=Cj0KCQjw5J_mBRDVARIsAGqGLZD3qv2UhbrXy-ScadOkYJgcrMfaXQUhzxpQFt37SxvicAEii1jez-AaArgOEALw_wcB

 

[littlespark]

Is it one of the appliances, or both?
Is it conceivable to run another dedicated circuit, RCBO controlled and see which of the 2 are causing the problem.

It could be as simple as the socket being faulty

 

[GBDamo]

I'm going home.

Will get in touch with the manufacturers and discuss further and if necessary fit using FCUs.

Cheers guys.

 

[GBDamo]

Mk 13AMP 2 GANG DOUBLE POLE NON STANDARD SWITCHED SOCKET OUTLET - https://www.superlecdirect.com/p-k1246whi-mk-13amp-2-gang-double-pole-non-standard-switched-socket-outlet?gclid=Cj0KCQjw5J_mBRDVARIsAGqGLZD3qv2UhbrXy-ScadOkYJgcrMfaXQUhzxpQFt37SxvicAEii1jez-AaArgOEALw_wcB

Got given one of they by mistake by CEF, not best pleased as I never noticed and fitted the bugger

 

[GBDamo]

Is it one of the appliances, or both?
Is it conceivable to run another dedicated circuit, RCBO controlled and see which of the 2 are causing the problem.

It could be as simple as the socket being faulty

There are already three circuits there, the new dedicated circuit, the old ring main and a random MIC metal clad single.

All three circuits have tripped but they "manage" it by keeping them on the recently installed dedicated circuit.

They are not the most helpful, like I said will try the manufacturers and look to FCU them.

 

[freddo]

Insulation fault when something heats up and expands? Clears again when cool.

 

[Wilko]

So - a “plug in” appliance that has degraded over time and likely has 20mA or more earth leakage is to be kept in service by adapting the electrical installation to remove the RCD ?
Just checking I’ve understood this correctly .

 

[Charlie_]

Asked on the forget information you have given I would say that the equipment is faulty, elements may appear to be fine and test ok but as soon as they get hot the resistance to earth diminishes..
The fault current might even be high enough to take out an mcb