Rcd Testing

[kieronious]

Yep no problem will let the other guys know as well. Last weeks ones have gone back to the client as they think we are trying to pull a fast one!

 

[Dairyspark]

Schneider Acti 9 80 Amp 4 Pole 30ma RCCB Installed for 6-8 months

Wouldn't reset after tripping unless the it was given a smack, still got it at work I'll look for serial numbers etc tomorrow.

 

[kieronious]

Just changed a Wylex 61008 30mA 80A rcd only serial number I can see on it is: ACWCRCSR0965

WRS80/2

WHRHSR

B4056

Installed about 5 years ago. Test button worked intermittently and did not trip at all during trip time test.

 

[Sidewinder]

Thank you kieronious

 

[Sidewinder]

bump

 

[kerching]

Never had one fail since you did the original post!

 

[BVK]

I see this thread has been bumped by the OP so I presume that the same research is still required? Any more information on the reason for it?

2 or 3 years ago at a trade show a chap from Avo Megger asked me to fill in a questionnaire about this exact subject. He said that the IET were considering removing the requirement to test RCD's with a meter, and that only the test button on the device would be required. He said the basics of the thought was that MCB's did not require a test so why should an RCD other than by its installed test button.

now obviously as a manufacturer of test equipment  there was a vested interest present, so he was obviously hoping to gain evidence that there was a measurable failure rate for these devices to justify the need for periodic testing with specialist test equipment.

is this related to reason for the post ?

i can't remember seeing any reference to this in the draft for the 18th

 

[SPECIAL LOCATION]

Just by coincidence visited a job on Friday...

Long story short but I was there due to electrical problem following building works and NO certs or Part P notified...

Anyway customer mentions problems with wiring going off and popping things..

and that the RCD didn't work...

So builders electrician had previously swapped the RCD..

Took out a Legrand 80A/30ma RCD and left it on top of the fuse box..

And put in a Hager................

Wait for it................

80A/100ma!!!!!

Not quite the right solution..

I tested the Legrand one and it failed every test except for the test button...

On an ramp test it was something like 40ma+ before it tripped.

Obviously at the moment they still don't have 30ma RCD protection on ANY circuits!! :shakehead

I will be writing a report with a quote for a plan of action to re-test everything and bring the board up to standard etc..

And we shall see what they say!

 

[OnOff]

My understanding was that in the 18th the scope of use of RCDs was being extended to ensure less unwanted tripping.

I wonder if Wylex have a hand in this...to push their new "still got a fly lead" compact RCBOs?

 

[Murdoch]

My understanding was that in the 18th the scope of use of RCDs was being extended to ensure less unwanted tripping.

I wonder if Wylex have a hand in this...to push their new "still got a fly lead" compact RCBOs?

How is that going to work ?????????????

I believe we have to take into account earth leakage when designing new circuits - quite how is unknown!

 

[OnOff]

How is that going to work ?????????????

I believe we have to take into account earth leakage when designing new circuits - quite how is unknown!

I read pretty much that highlighted text somewhere...

Surely changes will be biased to selling more "units" not making things safer?  :innocent

 

[Murdoch]

IMHO RCD's increase tripping and inconvinience

ATM its perfectly acceptable to install a new lighting circuit, obviously surface trunking or conduit and not fit an RCD ........ my understanding of the 18th edition that lighting circuits must have RCD's irrespective of the cable installation method.

The lunatics are running the asylum ..................

 

[kerching]

The lunatics are running the asylum .................

I think there is a Typo

autocorrect has substituted Asylum for Gravy-train 

 

[OnOff]

That's interesting...

Wylex state "Siemens technology" for their new compact RCBOs. To me, case wise, they look like a carbon copy of the Siemens 5SV9 right down to the size and shape of the test button.

Only the Wylex come with a neutral fly lead...the Wylex also go up to 40A the Siemens 32A...Wylex also offer a 25A B Type



Thinking the Siemens are only C Type too...

Just interesting...no more thought than that.

I think if the 18th does move towards all RCBO (and ditch split loads?) then at least proper division of circuits should help negate the effects of accumulative leakages. Not that much of a stretch to see some lucrative work going round changing existing Wylex boards to  their all new RCBOs. I reckon they would even support it. No mix 'n match issues. Isn't it the housebuilder's favourite brand. 

But how many people actually press their test button monthly, let alone pressing 8, 10 etc?

EDIT: The Siemens pic above is for the 4.5kA ones, in the number substitute 9316 for 9313 and it's the 6kA reference.

 

[Blue Duck]

Just stating the bleedin' obvious here....but Siemens owns Electrium.

Not sure what all the hype is about?

Don't see them for sale anywhere! 

Didn't MK do a compact rcbo? Obviously no one ever bought it.

They have never bothered before, the technology has been about for decades, much easier to push out the bargain basement stuff

The world will be a better place with more 25a breakers though.

 

[kerching]

Just seen in this months PE that there are two more firms making/marketing compact RCBOs now

Aolec  and Wylex

neither appear to have fly leads

 

[Blue Duck]

Apparently proteus & contactum also do em.

:blink:

Anyone smell?

 

[Sidewinder]

Wylex, Siemens & Crabtree is all the same product, made in the same factory on the same production line, and not printed with the name until it reaches the UK.

They are doing a 40A RCBO too!

 

[OnOff]

BG are now doing compact single module RCBOs inc 40A but they're SP.....

 

[OnOff]

Axiom brand Toolstation now pushing:

https://www.toolstation.com/search?searchstr=24380 85750 40507 33784 78231 21956