RCD Test buttons

[Evans Electric]

Test quarterly .......seems fair enough  ..to make sure thing still works .

BUT I've heard for years now that ...IT DOES THEM GOOD .......  IT CLEARS THE COILS ...THEY LAST LONGER ...  never got to the bottom of all that . Anyone else heard that stuff  ? 

 

[Tony S]

It’s referred to as “exercising” the operating the mechanism.

Protection systems just sit there for years seemingly doing nothing other than gathering dust. Dust that can clog up the trip mechanism to the point it doesn’t work when it’s needed.

Many moons ago I had an 11kV OCB that didn’t trip when it should have………….

It is recommended that protection systems are periodically “exercised”.

 

[Rob.]

Called diagnostic coverage now Tony, an incorporates all parts of safety circuits. Actuators, logic device, sensors. Partial proof tests for safety shut off valves and the like can be incorporated where needed. 

As for extending the life of the product. Beats me.

 

[Jono Pashley]

I suppose if it prevents the device being snarled up with lettuced that counts as extending its life right?

 

[Tony S]

That’s good to know, my days of daily “exercise” in the gym are long gone.