Electrical problem - earth leakage fault

luem1


Joined: 29/07/2009
Posts: 109

Message Posted:
19/07/2011 17:39

My RCCD trips at odd intervals.



Are there any electricians out there who can do an earth leakage clamp test?

matula


Joined: 07/07/2008
Posts: 647

Message Posted:
19/07/2011 22:21

I have been an electrician allmy working life and I have never heard of an E/L clamp test!

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
19/07/2011 22:35

Make sure you lend your friendly TC electrician your gumboots [UK 'Wellingtons'] while he's doing the test - you don't want him to 'Cypriotise' HIMSELF!

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
20/07/2011 10:01

Depends where you are.

If Lapta way try Brad on 0542 887 0995.

If Catalkoy way try Mikethespark on here.

petemate


Joined: 16/09/2008
Posts: 228

Message Posted:
20/07/2011 10:15

Tripping of RCCD is usually caused by faulty equipment plugged into sockets. Steam irons or kettles are favourite, or washing machines or dishwashers. Dampness is also a possibility in outside equipment but unusual at this time of year, unless you have had flooding in pool room.

It is very much a case of trial and error.

It could also be a faulty trip unit, which might be worth changing first, if none of the above are in use when it trips.

ttoli


Joined: 24/03/2007
Posts: 1172

Message Posted:
20/07/2011 10:56

I had exactly the same problem myself a few years ago, turned out that Kibtek had put the two wires feeding into the Meter the wrong way round, an Electrician friend gave my house and its wiring the A Ok, so I went off to Kibtek with a TC friend , who translated only to be told "What does an English Electrician know about Cyprus Electric??", only by way of a "Drink", was the matter resolved.

Frogandtoad


Joined: 17/07/2011
Posts: 16

Message Posted:
20/07/2011 13:18

An RCD is a 'RESIDUAL CURRENT DEVICE' originally called an RCCB 'Residual Current Circuit Breaker'. They both perform the same earth leakage protection, just the name changed. The usual cause for a RCD trip is faulty electrical connection in the equipment. This can be as simple as a loose terminal in the plug or more complex like a faulty thermostat in the washing machine or water heater. You can try unplugging ALL your equipment that is on the circuit that trips, then reset the RCD, then plug in items one at a time and switch it on and see which one trip's it out , this will be the faulty one. If this does not work do the same but leave each item switched on. It could be you have to many electrical items for the circuit. If in doubt call an electrician out.

sheffpants


Joined: 10/09/2008
Posts: 353

Message Posted:
20/07/2011 13:30

Try CDS - Commercial & Domestic Services Ltd



We are an entirely British owned repair and maintenance company here in Northern Cyprus.



Should you still be having trouble with this problem we will be happy to help.



Please call customer service on

0548 8444 999



or for further information visit our website



http://www.cdscyprus.com

info@cdscyprus.com

luem1


Joined: 29/07/2009
Posts: 109

Message Posted:
20/07/2011 17:09

Thanks for the replies.



I have a very good knowledge of electrics but I don't have the equipment.



The only way to solve the problem is by an earth leakage clamp test.



I hear what you say Matula, but if you've not heard of it, then I don't want you near my electrics. Try googling it and you'll see what I mean.

negativenick


Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 6023

Message Posted:
20/07/2011 17:13

if its any help....



we had similar problem - changed the rcd for a higher quality one with a slightly higher rating and bingo it solved the problem.

laptarunner



Joined: 02/11/2009
Posts: 217

Message Posted:
20/07/2011 17:19

As previous posters have said it may we worth changing the trip, as they do appear to get weak after a priod of time. Also if you have a big pool pump or a/c it may be worth fitting a trip for motors which pull a load on start up, can't remember the prefix off the top of my head.

luem1


Joined: 29/07/2009
Posts: 109

Message Posted:
20/07/2011 17:39

Thanks for that Nick. I've changed the RCD for a new one. I wouldn't go to a higher rating - 30ma is the recommended max. to avoid fatal shock.



Laptarunner - the load isn't a matter. Earth leakage is an imbalance between phase and neutral. But you are right that higher rated MCBs should be used for motors pulling a high initial start up load. The MCBs are all C curve to cater for this.

elko2



Joined: 24/07/2007
Posts: 4400

Message Posted:
21/07/2011 09:44

I do not recommend changing the RCD as a matter of trial and error. With electrics, its always advisable to diagnose first.



Since this is an erratic trip it is very difficult to find the fault by trial and error. The electrician will have to measure the amount of "leakage" in existence i.e. in simple terms the resistance to earth. This can be done by a simple multiple tester or by more sophisticated equipment. The simple multimetre will measure at about 5-10 volts whereas the more proıfessional equipment will measure at 250-500 and even 1000 volts for dead reliable results. It will also measure how quickly your RCD trips when it should and if its reliable.



One final point: 300 mA is for "indirect" protection i.e. it will protech any metal chasses becoming dangerously live. It will not protect anybody for direct contact. For this you need a 30 mA RCD i.e. a much more sensitive one.

ismet