scenaro

[Chr!s]

I think if it were it would be self evident

Why would you think that? Sometimes a fault may require heat fro example for a short to be produced, or maybe a leak on the washer.

 

[domestic spark]

Why would you think that? Sometimes a fault may require heat fro example for a short to be produced, or maybe a leak on the washer.

how can i test for this?

 

[bugsy]

Why would you think that? Sometimes a fault may require heat fro example for a short to be produced, or maybe a leak on the washer.

Because the fault would only occur when that appliance was used in this case its random

 

[Chr!s]

Because the fault would only occur when that appliance was used in this case its random

If the washer occasionally trips the mcb due to a leak, added with the fact that other appliances are also in operation, the customer would be able to pinpoint the fault? I think not

 

[bugsy]

But would'nt it also take out the fuse?

Give the op a bit of credit

 

[Chr!s]

But would'nt it also take out the fuse?

Give the op a bit of credit

Do you think you get short circuit discrimination between a 13 amp 1362 and a 32 amp Type B MCB? I dont

Well its not a certainty thats for sure

 

[SimpleSimon]

I agree with Chris, the overload current causing the MCB to trip cant be happening otherwise it would be a stupid amount. (next doors whole house possibly?)
OP. How long does it take to trip?
If I where you I would make a list of what your plugging in.
So first off say- toaster, kettle, microwave TRIP.
So next time change the order and see if it trips quicker and narrow down possible appliance.
Either that or there is some other big thing permanently connected you can't see!!
Sure it's not an RCBoO?

 

[tony mc]

When you treat yourself to a clamp meter try a push the boat out and get one that also does earth leakage as well good for tracing RCD faults you won't regret it IMO!!!!

 

[domestic spark]

When you treat yourself to a clamp meter try a push the boat out and get one that also does earth leakage as well good for tracing RCD faults you won't regret it IMO!!!!

any suggestions as to a good one?

 

[domestic spark]

one that you have used/have? cheers

 

[malcolmsanford]

Metrel TEK 633 AC DC Earth Leakage Clamp Meter

Excellent little clamp meter that detects protective conductor current, I got 3 of them for out here and use them daily.

As for your tripping MCB, I would go down the line with Chr!s and do an IR on the appliance, you may find somewhere on of them is giving you a low resistance on an element.

I would also change the MCB, if it's an old one you may find that as Tel posted, after being on the top end of it's loading for a few years it may have gone past it's best.

 

[domestic spark]

Thanks Malcolm obv with seeing how the ring was wired, it just made me think ah! Problem solved, didn't factor any other problems it might be. Usually I'f it is faulty appliances it's usually the rcd that goes due to faulty elements or whatever. However rewire of circuit does still need doing as cable is seriously overloaded. But this a customer doesn't really worry about if you know what i mean. Didn't want to rewire and TRIP!

 

[telectrix]

rewire the bugger, test , of course, then if it still trips, at least you can eliminate the new wiring and get down to some serious fault finding. find out what day the pikeys do the rag/bone run to get rid of the faulty appliance/s.

 

[tony mc]

There are lots on the market some very expensive. I use a T.I.S 550 its excellent and was on offer at CEF for under £100 and is used all the time reads down to 1 mA earth leakage and up to 150 A current!!

 

[Jurasic Spark]

Originally Posted by Jurasic Spark
The c/b doesn't care whether its supplying a RFC or a Radial, it is tripping due to overcurrent which means your radial 2.5 is exceeding its CCC.

so jurasic spark, if a 2.5mm spureded cable IS overloaded, MCB will trip? even though its a 32A breaker.

2.5mm can carry approx' 27A so obviously above this, but not above 32A and the cable is overloaded but the c/b won't trip. I thought you were considering turning this radial into a RFC but this won't effect the amount of load taken. If its above 32A then the c/b still does its job.