Fault finding

[appspark95]

Hi all,

I have a bit of a dilema, i visited my grandparents house a few days ago and they said the electric keeps tripping out (something up to 3 times a day).

It is tripping the main switch RCD, i have no idea where to start looking for the problem so any help would be appreciated a lot.

Regards.

 

[telectrix]

where in cheshire? might be close to me.

 

[appspark95]

yes in cheshire, however i cannot afford to get a qualified spark out, do you have any recommendations as to where i could start?

 

[telectrix]

first you need to buy a tester, about £500+ for a basic MFT. is that cheaper than paying a spark £40 - £50 to come and have a quick look? that;s what i'd charge for a call-out inc. 1 hour on site.

 

[appspark95]

no its not cheaper as i can get a kewtech tester for nothing. im an apprentice and just wanted some advice on where to start really. dont ask the question of why cant you ask your boss because it is long story lol. just need a bit of guidance thats all.

 

[Richard Burns]

If an RCD is tripping this is down to a low level fault to earth.
Find out what is happening at the time the RCD trips, e.g. is it when the kettle goes on or is it when the heating starts, etc.
If it is an LE fault then switching off circuits until it does not trip will narrow it down to a circuit, then you would check the connected equipment by disconnecting, if the fault is still there it is the circuit.
If the fault is NE or intermittent and not related to anything then get an electrician to check as it can be a nightmare.

 

[Octopus]

This is a good example as to why new/updated fuseboards shouldn't be installed with single RCD's........

 

[telectrix]

no its not cheaper as i can get a kewtech tester for nothing. im an apprentice and just wanted some advice on where to start really. dont ask the question of why cant you ask your boss because it is long story lol. just need a bit of guidance thats all.

if you'd have said that in your first post, i'd have replied differently. as richard said, it's a process of elimination. one of the aims of this forum is to help apprentices and trainees on their path to becoming qualified ( see the trainee section ). if you are reasonably close to me, i am prepared to give you an hour of my time for free to call over and assist. if you want to take me up on this, send me a pm.

 

[dingledong]

Did he pm you telectrix

 

[telectrix]

Did he pm you telectrix

nope. not a word.

 

[dingledong]

But if you want to work for free you can come to my place and put up some lights