Strange RCD Fault

[Guest569]

80amp main switch RCD, occasionally trips when a couple of circuits are switched on (doesn't matter which circuits) with nothing plugged in.

IR tests all good. Replaced RCD for new. Happens in all weather ( don't think its external )

Only sockets on this consumer unit.

Ive had my guys out at it twice with no joy. New build wiring from 16th edition.

Im going to investigate myself this week, Im sure Ive had loose connections causing tripping before, it about all I can think of, a loose tail somewhere around the main switch.


Anything else to look out for ?

Im pretty certain its not a dodgy nail at floorboard etc its fairly new property and in good condition with chipboard throughout.

 

[R G]

With 1 Rcd covering so many circuits and appliances in a large house it doesn't take much with the cumulative effect of the whole installation , RCBOs are a good idea , the only problem is that if the wiring has been installed in such a state , there may be borrowed or shared neutrals especially on lighting , I would test for this and use an earth leakage clamp meter , and also ramp test with each circuit livened 1 at a time , see how you get on !!

 

[Guest569]

So all was well till you fitted refitted the sockets and you have proved the wiring, have you tested IR of the sockets themselves, loose I mean before refitting?

Boydy

I did this with the last socket ( the one that when connected was showing fault )....at this point I Thought I had cracked it but .....no socket was good.

 

[growler]

Say you need to get something from the van and just drive off !!!!

 

[Guest569]

With 1 Rcd covering so many circuits and appliances in a large house it doesn't take much with the cumulative effect of the whole installation , RCBOs are a good idea , the only problem is that if the wiring has been installed in such a state , there may be borrowed or shared neutrals especially on lighting , I would test for this and use an earth leakage clamp meter , and also ramp test with each circuit livened 1 at a time , see how you get on !!

The confused legs a side, the install isn't to bad just a bit messy at the consumer unit ( but maybe someone else has already attempted to find this fault !) I don't think there should be any borrowed neutrals etc as its relatively new with not many alterations.


Don't have Ramp test function

 

[Octopus]

The confused legs a side, the install isn't to bad just a bit messy at the consumer unit ( but maybe someone else has already attempted to find this fault !) I don't think there should be any borrowed neutrals etc as its relatively new with not many alterations.


Don't have Ramp test function

You seriously need that function or else you will be guessing. Just saying

 

[Guest569]

Say you need to get something from the van and just drive off !!!!

Im intrigued by this one and refuse to be beaten so here for long run!


Im suffering from a cold/fever and my head is killing me, it was also snowing today ....bolting did cross my mind !

 

[R G]

I admire you determination , and I too would be the same , just hope the client knows that ,,,

 

[Guest569]

You seriously need that function or else you will be guessing. Just saying

I

Its something Ive never really had to bother with. Its very rare Ill get involved in fault finding but Id promised this particular customer Id have a look at it, now Ive inherited all the problems !

Most of my work is newly installed so faults are relatively easy to find. This one is not !

I can't get my head round why its holding for days then tripping, Im assuming earth leakage is just on the edge...but would ramp test help with this ?

 

[Guest569]

I admire you determination , and I too would be the same , just hope the client knows that ,,,

The client has faith in me, Ive already saved him a few headaches in other trade areas (i.e. TV guys were about to rip of a full floor of tiles, when I showed them a different route) amongst a few other things...Its also the same guy I done the chandeliers for...he knows we are good, but Im getting paranoid he thinks Im trying to fleece him ! Particularly now Im about to bill him for 25 RCBOS.

 

[Octopus]

I

Its something Ive never really had to bother with. Its very rare Ill get involved in fault finding but Id promised this particular customer Id have a look at it, now Ive inherited all the problems !

Most of my work is newly installed so faults are relatively easy to find. This one is not !

I can't get my head round why its holding for days then tripping, Im assuming earth leakage is just on the edge...but wouldramp test help with this ?

EDIT: Admin/The mods may change your name - its been done in the past!

Not sure to be honest BUT if there really are 25 circuits, the muppet who put on 1 RCD really doesn't understand electrics do they? and just imagine what's going to happen with PC's, fridges, microwaves, et al get plugged in.

Ramp testing the RCD would allow you to eliminate the RCD!

 

[Guest569]

Not sure to be honest BUT if there really are 25 circuits, the muppet who put on 1 RCD really doesn't understand electrics do they? and just imagine what's going to happen with PC's, fridges, microwaves, et al get plugged in.

Ramp testing the RCD would allow you to eliminate the RCD!

2 Boards Ray, One non RCD with lighting , one RCD with sockets etc ( 16th edition install )

 

[Octopus]

2 Boards Ray, One non RCD with lighting , one RCD with sockets etc ( 16th edition install )

Still think the install/design etc is a bit fishy!

 

[GMES]

I can't believe you can't get any takers for a grand for 1 days work don't give up you will sort it eventually and also forget about closing your account you always give as good as you get on your threads and have gained a few supporters . and regarding the customer thinking your fleecing him tell him to aim is frustration at the muppet that put all those circuits on 1 rcd

 

[R G]

So its sockets thats the problem , could well be anything in the central heating system causing this , Check that the circuits are not connected together and install the RCBOs , As I stated earlier Ramp test or earth leakage clamp meter is what you need ,,,

 

[telectrix]

jrc, you said in an earlier post that it appeared circuit legs of rfc and immersion has got mixed up. if that's the case, then doing end/end continuity and sorting it out may go a long way to finding the fault.