One RCBO killing entire board?

[Amr400]

I had a 6amp RCBO feeding a 2.5mm radial ( temporary measure)

It tripped, as I expected would

But once tripped, all the other circuits went dead?

I replaced with a 16amp RCBO, powered on, and everything back to normal?

What could have caused this?

 

[mattg4321]

Somebody without the necessary knowledge to install a consumer unit correctly.

 

[westward10]

A pic would be most interesting.

 

[oscar21]

Sounds like the bus bar has missed the clamp on maybe the main switch.

 

[HappyHippyDad]

Sounds 99% unlikely.
Sounds like we're missing important information.
I kind of hope not, as it would be most interesting otherwise.

 

[LukeD]

I had a 6amp RCBO feeding a 2.5mm radial ( temporary measure)

It tripped, as I expected would

But once tripped, all the other circuits went dead?

I replaced with a 16amp RCBO, powered on, and everything back to normal?

What could have caused this?

Thats a lot going on there..... much more info is required .As mentioned Photographs are vital

 

[Amr400]

Thats a lot going on there..... much more info is required .As mentioned Photographs are vital

Will take a picture tomorrow

What other information would be helpful?

It’s all working now but I’m confused as to what happened

 

[LukeD]

wonder if it was a loose connection and either its tight now or has "made connection" for a bit ??

 

[Henrimonami]

Probably been said 1000 times.
Do you really think electrical faults do not happen on "Temporary Installations" There are many regs and Statutory compliances for temporary installations. More people are electrocuted by temporary installing than permanent pro rata. I never never give advice on Elect work to anyone unless they are under my direct supervision or responsibility. I fail to understand why so called Electricians are so quick to give advice and thenb so quick to condemn others.How many of you would give advice about replacing gas fitting on a boiler.
I may offer my opinion on what's wrong but that's it. Only an opinion.
Anyhow I I think first reply mattg4321 is spot on and covers all components within that arena. Incorrectcwiringvof consumer unit

 

[kanewesley]

I wouldn't have thought it was the 6a or 16a rcbo at fsult. If the entire board appeared "dead" its obviously coincidentally faulting elsewhere to completely make the output from the entire board dead.
To remind a few jobsworths.....the rcbo, mcb, fuse protects the cable and not the appliance.
No its not good practice to protect a 2.5mill cable with a 6a trip but as long as the current drawn does not exceed 6a it won't trip....not on overcurrent anyway....A 6a protective device could supply a 50mm cable safely as long as the current drawn does not exceed 6a. The 50mm cable would be well protected...a waste if money to use duch s size cable but it would be protected

 

[westward10]

I wouldn't have thought it was the 6a or 16a rcbo at fsult. If the entire board appeared "dead" its obviously coincidentally faulting elsewhere to completely make the output from the entire board dead.
To remind a few jobsworths.....the rcbo, mcb, fuse protects the cable and not the appliance.
No its not good practice to protect a 2.5mill cable with a 6a trip but as long as the current drawn does not exceed 6a it won't trip....not on overcurrent anyway....A 6a protective device could supply a 50mm cable safely as long as the current drawn does not exceed 6a. The 50mm cable would be well protected...a waste if money to use duch s size cable but it would be protected

Why is it not good practice to install a 2.5 cable on a 6A protective device, where are you quoting this from.

 

[kanewesley]

50 yes experience starting with a
5 year apprenticeship 1974 to 1979
And a full 5 year one too.....not a 2 Yr heta course in a college workshop

 

[kanewesley]

I was referring to mattg and henrimoname who made unnecessary comments

 

[EddieB]

Somebody without the necessary knowledge to install a consumer unit correctly.

Is sarcasm really needed here? there is nothing wrong with this question the man is asking a valid. question

 

[kanewesley]

I did say I believed it not to be good practice but nothing wring with it.
Ie...I would slways use what I believe to be good practice in my 50 year career

 

[kanewesley]

Somebody without the necessary knowledge to install a consumer unit correctly.

What has that statement to do with the original question ???????

 

[kanewesley]

Installing a consumer unit is hardly rocket science

 

[EddieB]

Probably been said 1000 times.
Do you really think electrical faults do not happen on "Temporary Installations" There are many regs and Statutory compliances for temporary installations. More people are electrocuted by temporary installing than permanent pro rata. I never never give advice on Elect work to anyone unless they are under my direct supervision or responsibility. I fail to understand why so called Electricians are so quick to give advice and thenb so quick to condemn others.How many of you would give advice about replacing gas fitting on a boiler.
I may offer my opinion on what's wrong but that's it. Only an opinion.
Anyhow I I think first reply mattg4321 is spot on and covers all components within that arena. Incorrectcwiringvof consumer unit

I disagree I'm afraid, his response. was not a response it was sarcasm and I've told him so, this is a forum where we can discuss issues like this, I for one would like to know what caused it and would encourage Electricians to discuss and not dismiss

 

[sinewove]

50 yes experience starting with a
5 year apprenticeship 1974 to 1979
And a full 5 year one too.....not a 2 Yr heta course in a college workshop

Would say it was very good practise for a long lighting circuit enclosed in thermal insulation.
S

 

[westward10]

50 yes experience starting with a
5 year apprenticeship 1974 to 1979
And a full 5 year one too.....not a 2 Yr heta course in a college workshop

I have installed lighting circuits in large factories and warehouses using 10.0 to accommodate volt drop using 10A protective devices, this is bad practice?

 

[loz2754]

Whether it's bad practice or not depends on whether the circuit was designed that way, or it's just that the installer is disenclined to do a proper job.

 

[kanewesley]

Well done westward.....well done !

 

[nicebutdim]

I have installed lighting circuits in large factories and warehouses using 10.0 to accommodate volt drop using 10A protective devices, this is bad practice?

We seldom use anything less than 2.5 for lighting, except an occasional small installation.

 

[westward10]

Well done westward.....well done !

Welcome to the forum we have a variety of opinions.

 

[mattg4321]

Is sarcasm really needed here? there is nothing wrong with this question the man is asking a valid. question

Not sure why you thought it was sarcasm. It sounds to me that it’s very likely that the consumer unit has been installed incorrectly - either by incorrect connections or loose/missed connections.

 

[mattg4321]

Somebody without the necessary knowledge to install a consumer unit correctly.

What has that statement to do with the original question ???????

Come on it’s not rocket science to work that out!!