M
Max Rasa
Hi all
I had a new consumer unit fitted 3 - 4 years ago. I was never told that I had to periodically test the RCDs by pressing the T buttons. Still, you live and learn!
Anyhow, it is a split unit. The left side tripped when I hit the button. But the right side didn't. Did a bit of reading but could figure it out. Until today. I remembered that when the unit was fitted the electrician also added an earth to our domestic heating oil tank, but this had become detached. I've re-attached it and hey presto, the RCD now works when tested.
So I thought I'd better check in with you guys....
1. Does it sound right that having the earth disconnected would have stopped the RCD tripping on being tested, and re-attaching would fix it?
2. What kind of connector is it (see picture below)? When I put the earth cable into the holes, the RCD wouldn't trip. When I out it into the gap and made sure it was touching the rod, it DID work and the RCD tripped when tested. So how should the cable be connected properly to that piece?
3. Just for my curiosity, why is the oil tank earthed?
4. Do I need to somehow cover that earth point/rod so that the dogs can't get to it, people don't trip on it etc?
Here are the pics:
Cheers
Max
I had a new consumer unit fitted 3 - 4 years ago. I was never told that I had to periodically test the RCDs by pressing the T buttons. Still, you live and learn!
Anyhow, it is a split unit. The left side tripped when I hit the button. But the right side didn't. Did a bit of reading but could figure it out. Until today. I remembered that when the unit was fitted the electrician also added an earth to our domestic heating oil tank, but this had become detached. I've re-attached it and hey presto, the RCD now works when tested.
So I thought I'd better check in with you guys....
1. Does it sound right that having the earth disconnected would have stopped the RCD tripping on being tested, and re-attaching would fix it?
2. What kind of connector is it (see picture below)? When I put the earth cable into the holes, the RCD wouldn't trip. When I out it into the gap and made sure it was touching the rod, it DID work and the RCD tripped when tested. So how should the cable be connected properly to that piece?
3. Just for my curiosity, why is the oil tank earthed?
4. Do I need to somehow cover that earth point/rod so that the dogs can't get to it, people don't trip on it etc?
Here are the pics:
Cheers
Max
