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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Electrical Questions >> RCD trips after 5-10 mins https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1107020035 Message started by peter on Jan 29^th, 2005, 5:33pm

Title: RCD trips after 5-10 mins
Post by peter on Jan 29^th, 2005, 5:33pm

My RCD trips after approx. 1min on my new CU 17way split
load.

Ive tested and checked physically all the plugs on the ring using an electric mains plug tester and found no problem. I have two fused spurs running off the ring both are not in use and fuses removed at present both also wired ok.

The MCB is not tripping for the sockets its just the RCD. I assume this is supposed to happen if problems on RCD protected ring.

There is no load on any of the sockets when this occurs.
The downstairs ring circuit is the only one connected to RCD side at this time and is part of a newly built extension.

Does anybody have any ideas what the problem may be any help is greatly appreciated.

Title: Re: RCD trips after 5-10 mins
Post by scotspark on Jan 29^th, 2005, 6:08pm

mis balanced neutrals at db?????????

have you removed the link between the 2 neutral bars??????????

Title: Re: RCD trips after 5-10 mins
Post by peter on Jan 29^th, 2005, 6:31pm

Thanks for reply scotsparks

The CU is split load, a side for non RCD nuetrals and a separate block for RCD protected circuit, the only neutrals on the RCD side are the two from them protected MCB.

Will there be another link that needs removing ?

Title: Re: RCD trips after 5-10 mins
Post by scotspark on Jan 29^th, 2005, 6:41pm

wrote on Jan 29^th, 2005, 6:31pm:

there is often a copper link between the neutral bars that needs removed to use as a split load unit. just like you had to cut the busbar

Title: Re: RCD trips after 5-10 mins
Post by peter on Jan 29^th, 2005, 6:58pm

Ive checked this scotspark and can not find any link to the neutral blocks, there is a plastic spacer dividing both.

Should i try the MCB in the NON RCD side and see if it trips.

Title: Re: RCD trips after 5-10 mins
Post by scotspark on Jan 29^th, 2005, 8:43pm

It sounds like some sort of fault at the board to me can you post a couple of pics by any chance????????????

Title: Re: RCD trips after 5-10 mins
Post by Beanzy on Jan 29^th, 2005, 9:14pm

No Kitchen stuff plugged in? Fridges & freezers are a bu99er for doing this.

Title: Re: RCD trips after 5-10 mins
Post by scotspark on Jan 30^th, 2005, 9:01am

I was assuming nothing was plugged in at all

Quote:

There is no load on any of the sockets when this occurs.

but if there is unplug everything and then try

Title: Re: RCD trips after 5-10 mins
Post by peter on Jan 30^th, 2005, 12:23pm

Yeah i have nothing pluged in.

Unfortunatley have not got camera to send photos.

The CU is setup as follows

Main switch having tales from supply entering above switch.

From under the Main switch a neutral bar connects to block terminal for NON RCD neutrals.

This block is than supplying (via a tale) neutral into RCD on opposite side of board.

From under main switch it supplies live to above RCD switch.

The RCD then supplies seperate neutral bar from under switch to a seprate neutral block.

Both side have own bus bar to connect with MCB's.

I hope above makes sense, would appreciate any advice.
???

Title: Re: RCD trips after 5-10 mins
Post by Beanzy on Jan 30^th, 2005, 2:51pm

Have a fault finding checklist you can work through. It's yet to fail me if it's followed to the letter, even with finding external faults. I'll host if on my webspace, but won't get the time to do that until this pm. I didn't write it and it's not my copywright, so don't link it on other places.

Will update once I've go it on there.

:-*

Title: Re: RCD trips after 5-10 mins
Post by peter on Jan 30^th, 2005, 3:06pm

Thanks BEANZY

Ive Connected the downstairs old existing house sockets (MCB)to the RCD side of the board. It has been working ok for last hour.

Normally the RCD trips within 5 to 10 mins when i had new ring connected.(downstairs sockets new side).

Just connected new side also to see if it trips. Ive now got both rings for downstairs sockets on RCD. will post results later, maybe this will help. :-/

Title: Re: RCD trips after 5-10 mins
Post by Beanzy on Jan 30^th, 2005, 11:45pm

I've been trying to stick that PDF on the web for a bit now but my web host is coming up with an error. If you PM me an e-mail I can send it direct.

Title: Re: RCD trips after 5-10 mins
Post by Chaddy on Jan 31^st, 2005, 6:16pm

Beanzy any chance you could mail it to me as well???? ::) ::) ::) ;D

Cheers

Ken

Title: Re: RCD trips after 5-10 mins
Post by Beanzy on Jan 31^st, 2005, 8:03pm

No prob. just send e-mail address as a PM and I'll pop it off.

Although I'm determined to beat this hosting glitch too ::)