Rcd tripping with use of iron

[sidekick]

Client tried using Iron on three different circuits and RCD always tripping.
First thought obviously Iron faulty.
However, Iron in new condition and no problem before new sockets added.
All sockets check ok and test on each ring ok although one circuit insulation reading only 16 mega ohms.
Nothing else in the house trips the RCD.
All three rings tried are on same RCD.
Iron in use at different property with RCD circuits and no tripping?

What could be the problems that could cause the tripping?

 

[Des 56]

Client tried using Iron on three different circuits and RCD always tripping.
First thought obviously Iron faulty.
However, Iron in new condition and no problem before new sockets added.
All sockets check ok and test on each ring ok although one circuit insulation reading only 16 mega ohms.
Nothing else in the house trips the RCD.
All three rings tried are on same RCD.
Iron in use at different property with RCD circuits and no tripping?

What could be the problems that could cause the tripping?

Trying the iron at another property with that Rcd may not tell you much in order to help your problem

Most circuits with other loads connected may have a certain level of leakage current in them
The iron may also have its own leakagel
When the iron leakage is then added to whats already in circuit,it may be enough to trip the Rcd
So it could be accumalitive

Insulation test of the appliance should show up any problems,try doing this test when the iron is hot and has some water in the jacket
A rcd test and a ramp test would be recomended

 

[Jason Smith]

Iron cant be at fault because it new? and backed up becauseit doesnt trip in other houses. Fair enough. When you plug in something else like a ketttle, does that cause a trip ?
As said, each appliance causes a small amount of leakage to earth, if this toatals enough it will trip the rcd. What I suggest you do is switch off the other circuits that are on the same rcd, then see if the iron trips it. you may end up splitting the circuits to RCBOS but try the other things first. let me know how you get on.

 

[mogga]

NEW Appliances can be faulty Irons are specialy susseptable to fluff build up and if fluff gets damp can cause RCD Tripping but by the time this happens and you get tester out hey loan behold the fluff has dried out Id try the iron first

 

[Risteard]

I would go for the iron being faulty myself.

Incidentally, 16 Megohms is not a "low insulation resistance". It is an insulation resistance of 16 million ohms.

 

[sidekick]

Done insulation resistance test on iron and all ok.
Not a new iron but in pretty much new condition with no signs of ware and tear on lead etc.
Checked with RCD ramp test on my own installion and circuit gave same readings with and without iron being plugged in. Therefore ruling out any problem with iron.

Client now needs to know what I can do to eliminate problem.
Will as suggested check on each circuit with others switched off and if need be change to RCBO'S.
Can anyone think of another solution please.

 

[pushrod]

You could invest in an earth leakage clamp meter it can tell you exactly what earth leakage you are getting from the iron and other appliances on other circuits - about £180 HERE A fairly useful bit of kit that should soon pay for itself.
As previously mentioned, earth leakage is cumulative, but a specialist clampmeter will let you know exactly what is going on. I'm guessing that the iron has a small earth leakage and that when that is added to the leakage from other appliances that is enough to trip the rcd.

 

[Yooj]

Could be an over sensitive RCD, are you able to lay your hands on an earth-leakage clamp meter...this would give you an indication of the leakage from the iron and the rest of the installation, and whether it is a suspect RCD.

Yooj

 

[Jason Smith]

just an idea that may save you some money- I dont know how many rcds you have on the board, if its two then you can just move the circuits across so the earth leakage doesnt add up to too much on one rcd. Circuits to split off to another rcd would be fridge freezer- notorious for earth leakage, cooker, same. There is high earth leakage from pcs, etc. May not be possible depending onthe board you are working with mate. Dont forget irons get shaken about when in use. when you test it it may be sat there all innocent "not me guv " - incidentally, was at my wits end with a similar a while ago- have a good looksie inside the plug mate and it may just be a simple as that.

 

[Stokey]

Try ramp testing the RCD to see what it is actually tripping at, also IR test the iron when it is hot to ensure it is not down to earth

 

[Hiatus]

Isnt the min insulation 1M Ohm for portable Class I applieances? Should be much higher though. I'm interested in the result? Have you tried this?

Hiatus

 

[MNR]

That clamp meter looks usefull I do alot of council work were nuiseance tripping an everyday call out. Thanks

 

[Spudnik]

Blimey, the cost of those meters has come down rapidly!

Last time i looked they were about 300 notes!

 

[sidekick]

Thanks to all for advice on this one.
Client has now gone out and bought new Iron.

If new Iron does not trip RCD will leave it at that. If it does I have advised RCBO for x 2 circuits and move over to none RCD side of split load bord.

Watch this space.....