Lighting wiring

[JohnMir]

I have this job with 20 tracklights on 6amp RCBOs that is keep tripping when I try to turn them on. Before was less lights fitted and worked just fine. Someone recommended to use contractors. Can anyone help me to wire them?

 

[Sharpend]

Are you an electrician John? 
 

what is the type of lighting and rating of each light? 
Is there any other loading on the 6a mcb with these lights? 

 

[Murdoch]

Take half the lights out , then add them 1 by 1

i suspect that if your lights are LED you may well be “suffering” from excessive start up current 

 

[JohnMir]

Hi Sharpend.

the lightings are 

38W LED module (COB) Cool White

K: 4000 Lm: 3000 Lm/W: 79

and there’s no other loads.

HI Murdock 

it’s working with fewer lights installed on the track but the idea is to make them work without taking any lights off. 

 

[Sharpend]

The actual lights only warrant 3.2A however it is possible as @Murdoch has said the start up current is tipping it over. 

 

[Sharpend]

how many lights on before it tripped? 
 

Do you have any info on the track driver? 

 

[Murdoch]

Back to the op .... do the manufacturers provide any recommendations as the max number per circuit?

do you have test kit?

can you check the zs?

 

[Sidewinder]

What curve/rating is the breaker?

 

[JohnMir]

The manufacturer said that we can add quite a few. Sometimes doesn't trip on the first switching. I will post tomorrow the zs. The track doesn't come with module. Every track light has a light module driver. 

 

[JohnMir]

The breaker is WYLEX 6A 30MA DP TYPE B MINI RCBO

 

[Andy™]

The breaker is WYLEX 6A 30MA DP TYPE B MINI RCBO

if circuit conditions allow, change to a type C. maybe you need someone competent to do this

 

[JohnMir]

This is how I found them wired by the electrician. The cables are 1mm. I will have a look at the connection to the track maybe is a lose connection. 

 

[ProDave]

Convert that to a 3 gang switch so each track is turned on separately. That should solve any inrush current problems switching the whole lot on at once.

 

[JohnMir]

Thanks for your help guys the issue was the inrush current. Changed the breaker with a type C

 

[Andy™]

Thanks for your help guys the issue was the inrush current. Changed the breaker with a type C

did you check the circuit could take a type C and do any required testing?

 

[Sidewinder]

Changing a B for a C is an MWC at least.

 

[Doc Hudson]

Back to the op .... do the manufacturers provide any recommendations as the max number per circuit?

do you have test kit?

can you check the zs?

did you check the circuit could take a type C and do any required testing?

Changing a B for a C is an MWC at least.

Thanks for your help guys the issue was the inrush current. Changed the breaker with a type C

It would be very interesting for other forum members on here, if you could confirm that you have checked the Zs readings for the circuit are still within the characteristics for a C type breaker?  By my rough calculations swapping a 6amp 'B' to a 6amp 'C' reduces the max permissible circuit length by about 100m if using 1.0mm T&E.  [ Max permissible Zs from 7.28 to 3.64,  i.e. loose 3.64ohms worth of R1+R2 ] 

If installation methods permit, It may also have been possible to use a 10amp 'B' which could have 'cured' your problem. This only looses approx. 80m length of 1.0mm T&E), rather than a 6amp 'C'.   [ Max permissible Zs from 7.28 to 4.37,  i.e. loose 2.91ohms worth of R1+R2 ].  If you get chance JohnMir, please post up your test readings/calcualtions,  Did you issue and MWC as Sidewinder correctly points out?

Doc H.