How do you test an R.C.D??

[Southern Spark]

Hi guys, I remember my lecturer always said that the correct way to test an r.c.d is to test x1, x5 then test x .5. His explanation was that you have 'warmed' the r.c.d up making it more likely to trip at .5. i was wondering if anyone can verify this and give me a proper explanation as to why this is the correct way to test an r.c.d.

 

[telectrix]

if that were the case, then MFTs would auto test in that sequence. i don't think it matters if you do the x 1/2 test first or last. another way is to press the test button first, but some say this is wrong.

 

[Southern Spark]

I had though that, but unfortunately my fluke doesnt do the sequence automatically so I had got in to the habit of testing .5 after x 1 and x5. But my work mate tells me its rubbish to do it that way, and I was looking for confirmation one way or the other.

 

[Guest123]

Auto sequence RCD testing is always x .5, x1 & x5.

 

[Southern Spark]

So do you think my lecturers theory is a bit misguided?? I have tested many rcds in this way in the past 5 years, but I have never had any fail the .5 test, so I cant confirm.

 

[telectrix]

only ever seen it done with the x1/2 done 1st.

 

[ian.settle1]

When you test an RCD using the Auto setting it does x0.5 @ 0 then 180 followed by x1 @ 0 then 180 followed by x5 @ 0 then 180 but the later is only if it is 30mA or less.

So I think you lecturer is putting you on a bum steer along with other things you have been telling us he has said.

 

[SirKit Breaker]

RCD, 7 tests. for a 30mA.

x 0.5 rated trip current at 0 degrees and 180 degrees
x 1 as above
x 5 as above
Push mechanical test button to prove mechanical integrity.

I dont suppose it matters in what order you do them, just as long as you do them all.

Cheers.........Howard

 

[Electro-tech]

Maybe of use to someone.

 

[KFH]

I have seen suggestions that the 5* test should be done first in order to give the RCD a proper test in case it is sticky. My view is that 1/2 first and then 1* and it should trip at 1*. I have also been told that it is a good idea to press the test button a few times first to make sure that it is not sticky, personally I would not want to be on the end of a sticky RCD and therefore it should not be exercised before the 1* test which will be, in my view, the most difficult test for it to pass.

 

[sparky16]

I have my aca test on friday. Do you know if all 7 of these tests for rcd are in it?
Also is it easy to use the meter as i aint used rcd tester before

 

[tony mc]

Have good look at the meter before useing it and ask if at all you are not sure how to operate it.

Their are lots of meters on the market and you should be fully offay with it before you start testing dead or live !!

 

[Engineer54]

I have my aca test on friday. Do you know if all 7 of these tests for rcd are in it?
Also is it easy to use the meter as i aint used rcd tester before

What do you mean ''i aint used rcd tester before''?? By the way, i'm unfamilier with this aca test, what is it??

 

[sparky16]

Aca test is to become an approved electrician. I think there are 7 tests for the Rcd socket. Just not familiarised myself with Rcd tester

 

[Engineer54]

I have to ask, .....How can you become an ''Approved'' electrician if you haven't used an RCD tester before??
Aren't you supposed to be capable of supervising electricians and mates etc?? Also was of the understanding that you needed C&G 2391 testing and inspection to become a JIB Approved electrician??

 

[sparky16]

I have to ask, .....How can you become an ''Approved'' electrician if you haven't used an RCD tester before??
Aren't you supposed to be capable of supervising electricians and mates etc?? Also was of the understanding that you needed C&G 2391 testing and inspection to become a JIB Approved electrician??

aw ffs. :banghead: So do you know the answer to my last question, as i came onto to discuss that topic. Not go on bout everything else surrounding what i should know about c&g 2391 and everything else. I done 17th edition testing and inspecting and passed but dont rememberdoing rcd. It was well over a year ago

 

[Thomas123]

aw ffs. :banghead: So do you know the answer to my last question, as i came onto to discuss that topic. Not go on bout everything else surrounding what i should know about c&g 2391 and everything else. I done 17th edition testing and inspecting and passed but dont rememberdoing rcd. It was well over a year ago

Oh dear....

 

[sparky16]

Oh dear....

wrong thread

 

[Silly Sausage]

Yo sparky16,

Have you tried reading your instrument's manual and GN3?
All the answers to your questions lie within their pages.
I'm not spending half an hour typing out the answer!

 

[sparky16]

Thats my problem. I dont have GN3. Thanks for reply though and sending me in right direction

 

[ipf]

aw ffs. :banghead: So do you know the answer to my last question, as i came onto to discuss that topic. Not go on bout everything else surrounding what i should know about c&g 2391 and everything else. I done 17th edition testing and inspecting and passed but dont rememberdoing rcd. It was well over a year ago

A year ago. back in the dark ages, eh?

 

[ifindoubtdont]

I always understood an RCD test consisted of 7 parts as per posts 7 and 8. So to answer sparkie16 question do all of them.

- - - Updated - - -

I always understood an RCD test consisted of 7 parts as per posts 7 and 8. So to answer sparkie16 question do all of them.

 

[sparky16]

Well over a year ago. EH?

 

[sparky16]

Cheers ifinddoubtdont. Just hoping the meter i will be using has the settings shown for these tests

 

[SYKRAPS]

As far as the thread reads to me your question has been answered above sparky16

 

[Engineer54]

aw ffs. :banghead: So do you know the answer to my last question, as i came onto to discuss that topic. Not go on bout everything else surrounding what i should know about c&g 2391 and everything else. I done 17th edition testing and inspecting and passed but don't remember doing rcd. It was well over a year ago

Yes, i do know the answer to your question, the point i'm making is that, ...''So Should You''!! Your the one that's considers yourself capable of being accredited as a JIB Approved Electrician!!

 

[Geordie Spark]

So do you think my lecturers theory is a bit misguided?? I have tested many rcds in this way in the past 5 years, but I have never had any fail the .5 test, so I cant confirm.

My lecturer told us that if we were fitting a halogen floodlight with a PIR sensor and the cable was already there to connect it to but was only 2 core & had no CPC it was ok to link the Earth terminal of the fitting to the Neutral terminal !!!

Those who can, do. Those that can't, teach !!!

 

[sparky16]

Why reply with that pi$z poor answer then. Do not reply, not interested in what u have to say. Better get yourself a bird or something

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Auto test sequences on most MFTs are:
½ X at 0º, ½ X at 180º (2 tests),
1 X at 0º, 1 X at 180º (2 tests),
5 X at 0º, 5 X at 180º (2 tests),
Total 6 tests.
The 7th test being the functional test of the 'Test' button.
To be honest, your excuse for not knowing this, is pants.

 

[moddeydhoo]

This thread is funny, what a very very very poor standard to become an aproved spark who can not test an rcd, who say's has 2391.
Spin london is correct, if it does not work on 1x press the test button 5 or 6 times, then test again. Also no one as stated, test at origin, without cables it should be, rcd on its own, you should have already tested thecables

 

[FAA Greenie]

Agree with the above. One more thing, most assessors will expect you to able to test the RCD on each perameter individually with the test set. not just bung it on automatic and write a couple of figures down. They will want you to explain the differences in results too.

 

[lauriehurman]

Hang on a minute;
Just because you watch a game where the referee is rubbish doesn't lead you to the conclusion that the rules of the game are crap.

This thread is funny, what a very very very poor standard to become an aproved spark who can not test an rcd, who say's has 2391.
Spin london is correct, if it does not work on 1x press the test button 5 or 6 times, then test again. Also no one as stated, test at origin, without cables it should be, rcd on its own, you should have already tested thecables

 

[Dean Williams]

im astonished...of all the tests there are, the RCD test is the easiest to do and easiest to remember....i was half expecting matthew kelly and henry kelly to pop up and say 'game for a laugh'!!!