Tripping 6amp breaker

[SPARTYKUS]

Oh a good make!

 

[eco-tech]

It has to be this last rose me thinks !

If not wtf do I do ?

 

[telectrix]

gas lighting?

 

[eco-tech]

hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

 

[telectrix]

sorry, mate, must have missed that one when skipping through.

 

[eco-tech]

Heeeeeelllllllllllllllpppppppppppppppp meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

 

[Richard Burns]

Quick summary

Standard internal lighting circuit on a 6A MCB (not known if there is also RCD protection) with no outside lights.

After about 1 hour the MCB trips.

There is at least one 2way switch, wired incorrectly, that was linked out during the IR tests.

The IR tests were carried out between all conductors L-E, L-N. N-E and all results were about 200Mohm
The IR tests were carried out with all light switches on.

There is no sign of damage or loose connections on any of the switches, MCB or fittings, although there is a lot of copper showing.

The MCB has been changed for a new one but still trips.

Do not know if it trips when all lights are off
Do not know current flow in any situation, through any conductor
Do not know if internal components of switches are damaged, carbon tracked.
Do not know if the wiring is damaged or too exposed at a back box and only shorts when reassembled
Do not know if the 2way switching is faulty (apart from the incorrect wiring)

 

[Richard Burns]

If the MCB is still tripping it must be overload current, assuming no one is walking around and moving/shaking cables.
The problem is to identify where the overload is coming from.
The likely culprits are the 2way switch, lamps or unassembled items when testing.

If there is an RCD in circuit then the fault is between L and N only, if not then open season.

 

[micknew]

Have you changed the light fitting?

 

[Richard Burns]

In desperation, either replace all the light switches and fittings because the IR shows it is not the wiring.
Possibly use wagos to replace all the connections in the switches and fittings except one and wait one hour (or clamp the line to see the current use), repeat for next fitting/ switch; expect the customer not to pay!

 

[eco-tech]

No rcd just mcb.

Could be the 2 way on the stairs as this feeds the light in the loft (last in line)

No I not changed the fitting (looks like this could be it as when i placed the bulb in it tripped after a short period of time) The circuits worked fine before I did this today hence this is why i think this could be the problem.

 

[eco-tech]

Change all switches AGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

 

[Richard Burns]

Change all switches AGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Possibly a bit of overkill on my part. Since you had it working for six hours then it does seem likely that that fitting is at fault.

Good luck!!!!!!

 

[micknew]

Carbon tracking within a lampholder, would show with a 500v megger test though.

 

[eco-tech]

Yeh Rich but I see your point.

I think it defo is this last fitting (it has to be the switch as I also had this off but when this was placed back on the wall the problems started again. So new switch and light fitting and a test a 500 ohms .Yes ?