CU Main Switch fault

[meggermate]

Hello all,
I've got an unusual fault on a cu main switch in a Wylex split load board. I was called to a property with no power. The main switch was in the off position and both rcds and all breakers were in the on position. There was a leak on the toilet but no water through the electrics. Checked it over and switched the main switch back on.
I was upstairs with the plumber when 5 minutes later power goes off and main switch had dropped again. Switched back on, went back next day, checked property, changed main switch for new one, polarity correct, Ze 0.28, PFC 0.83, ins res >299 on all circuits except down sockets which was 154. Ramp test 27 Rcd test 28/13 on both rcds.
Question was asked if anyone had switched main switch off which didn't go down very well. Property was solar panels. Never come across this before, any guidance would be most helpful.

 

[HandySparks]

What make was the board and main switch?

 

[Taylortwocities]

deleted

 

[Deleted member 72666]

Main switches don't just 'drop out', someone has turned it off.

 

[Octopus]

deleted

 

[Andy78]

Main switches don't just 'drop out', someone has turned it off.

It's possible if the switch mechanism is kaput, but that would usually be quite obvious when operating the switch.

 

[Octopus]

It's possible if the switch mechanism is kaput, but that would usually be quite obvious when operating the switch.

But the OP said he replaced the main switch and it happened again - what are the chances of 2 kaput main switches?

 

[Andy78]

But the OP said he replaced the main switch and it happened again - what are the chances of 2 kaput main switches?

He says he changed the main switch, but not that the fault happened again after it was changed.

 

[GMES]

Someone must have turned it off, it's a switch The clues in the title, they have to be switched off as they don't trip.

 

[meggermate]

The board and original switch were wylex, switch replaced with crabtree from van and fault reappeared in the morning. Unsure if switch was new so replaced with another Crabtree switch robbed from a new consumer unit and also same fault. So according to customer same fault on three different switches. All switches felt as though they were operating well.
As said before the customer was asked if anyone could be switching it off without her knowing and wasnt happy I'd asked the question.

 

[Octopus]

Main switches do not switch off without human intervention.

Is the CU accessible by many people? Is it in a communal area?

 

[westward10]

There is no fault surely a 947-3 switch has to be physically switched, someone is having a laugh.

 

[meggermate]

It's in a cupboard at front door between stairs and kitchen. Husband and wife and two teenage girls.Called out last night again customer said when power went off everyone was in lounge eating Chinese. No one else in the house. Ghosts have been mentioned!!!!

 

[GMES]

They are taking the mick, as a few members have said already they do not trip out, so someone is switching them off and to even let the idea that you have had 3 faulty switches in a row enter your head is just daft, You are being led up the garden path.

 

[westward10]

Hide a small camera in there and record it.

 

[GMES]

It's in a cupboard at front door between stairs and kitchen. Husband and wife and two teenage girls.Called out last night again customer said when power went off everyone was in lounge eating Chinese. No one else in the house. Ghosts have been mentioned!!!!

It could be something less sinister and the wife may fancy you!! are you wearing aftershave or lynx deodorant when you attend site.

 

[Octopus]

Tenant or owner?

 

[Andy78]

I once got called back to a house to a chandelier that ceased working the day after I had been round to install an oven and replace a RCD. It was on the way home so I popped in to have a look.
Turned out the householders "mate" had been round and unscrewed all of the bulbs so they were just sat in the shades for a joke.

 

[Wilko]

I haven't seen one that switches itself off, let alone 3. I have seen one with heat damage that was stuck on but it was quite obvious. Any chance you can fit one of em at home?

 

[westward10]

I wouldn't even have changed the first one.

 

[Barry White]

Remember seeing a few threads about this on here (my thoughts were RCDmain switch) but a competant electrician would see that.
Main 100A switch tripping - http://www.electriciansforums.co.uk/threads/main-100a-switch-tripping.110396/
The thread never got updated in the end

So =
Faulty main switch
Dont believe in spooks so thats out
Idiots switching down (as the old switch used to be down)

As the switch has been changed it seem likly to be one of the other options. Never seen one turn off seen them burn open or shut but switch position is usually on.

 

[meggermate]

I know main switches need to be physically moved. I just thought am I missing something blatantly obvious. Doubt starts to creep in. Rcds trip, main switches don't. No damage or heat to any parts of CU.No other reason than persons moving switch. It's a tenant so call outs don't cost them.

 

[Pete999]

Who ya gona call

 

[freddo]

This'll stop them messing about with it.

 

[meggermate]

Think I'll try that Freddo, cheers.

 

[GMES]

I know main switches need to be physically moved. I just thought am I missing something blatantly obvious. Doubt starts to creep in. Rcds trip, main switches don't. No damage or heat to any parts of CU.No other reason than persons moving switch. It's a tenant so call outs don't cost them.

It may not cost the tenant but I presume you're charging the landlord, It could be they have a gripe with the landlord and are just trying to make life expensive for them or inconvenience them.

 

[meggermate]

I'm part of an in-house HA team, it takes a while before recharges apply. The property is only 5 years old. People seem genuine, but hey ho takes all kinds.

 

[HandySparks]

How about sticking a tamper-evident seal on the hinged cover. Then get them to leave it alone and call you out to re-set if it switches off again.

 

[freddo]

Teach them that electricity is a privilege. If they want to keep switching it off, get the DNO to disconnect and remove the supply.

 

[meggermate]

I like the tamper evident idea, thanks.

 

[dmxtothemax]

does the main switch have a facility to lock it on ?
I.E. a small padlock ?

 

[Pat H]

Turn the switch back on. carefully add some engineers blue to both sides of the switch toggle.
When called back inspect all the fingers in the house. The answer will become clear.
Bugger to get off that engineers blue.

 

[DPG]

and let us know how you get on! Daz

 

[meggermate]

Update on "faulty" switch. One of our contractors had been to this the week before, same story main switch dropped he reset it and while upstairs at leaking plumbing power goes off and main switch down again. Will speak with management and let them make the decisions but maybe tamper label is the way to go. Tenant is gonna be good when she hears that.

 

[DPG]

Put something subtle on - bit of masking tape or a tearable label maybe. Don't tell them. Daz

 

[GMES]

If the tenants are genuine then ask if you can set a camera up in there to try and solve the mystery, If they have nothing to hide then they should be as eager to resolve it has you are.

 

[Deleted member 72666]

A saying 'springs' to mind.........there's nowt stranger than folk!

 

[sparkdog]

Perhaps you could lock it ON.