RCD Testing Confusion - Help!

[SparkyMalone]

Hi

Ive got a question regarding RCD tests.

If a DB had 7-8 ccts on MCBs all covered by a Main RCD, should we do only one cover-all test on the main RCD, or record an individual RCD test for each circuit?

Other sparkys on my firm have been doing an RCD test for each circuit, effectively testing the same RCD 8 times.

What is the correct procedure?

Thanks

 

[telectrix]

you test the RCD the specified 6 tests
x 1/2
x1 @0deg.
x1 @ 180
x5@0
x5@180
test button
preferably with all loads disconnected and test @ the RCD outgoing terminals, and only once.

your mates are either confused or dragging the job out.

 

[SparkyMalone]

Thanks for your reply it did seem a bit over the top to me!

 

[paul291277]

I believe that you only need the x5 tests on 30mA RCD's to check for a 40ms max disconnection time

 

[Ian1981]

Yes the 5x test is applicable to the additional protection a 30mA rcd gives

 

[gutterball]

They are probably testing every circuit, because there is a box for RCD times for each circuit on the forms. I have had this argument with someone before that insisted you had to test every circuit to insure the triping times were ok. I just test at the RCD then put the same numbers in for each circuit.

 

[SparkyMalone]

Pretty much looks that way. Glad I questioned it because no one else at my firm seems to have picked up on it and I know for a fact the boards they are testing arent laden with RCBO's

 

[Des 56]

A Rcd has operating characteristics that will apply to all the circuits,if its tested at source,the readings apply to all those circuits off that Rcd

Testing separately and externally for each circuit and including those circuit properties may show incorrect operating values

 

[Octopus]

you test the RCD the specified 6 tests
x 1/2
x1 @0deg.
x1 @ 180
x5@0
x5@180
test button
preferably with all loads disconnected and test @ the RCD outgoing terminals, and only once.

your mates are either confused or dragging the job out.

Except, for instance, MEM RCBO's which don't like being tested at the terminals .....

 

[Midwest]

Why bother testing at the terminals, when there's a perfectly good socket to use. I can see this going on a few pages

 

[telectrix]

it is easier to use a socket, and complies with the "no live working" wimp brigade.