Newly installed Consumer Unit is tripping RCD's when hoover or kettle on

[sparks123]

Update:
I've just moved everything to RCD 1 (EXCEPT for the shower which is still on RCD 2). All seems fine now I powered up all big appliances And the shower at the same time for ab 3 mins now - no trips. Does it mean that I have reverted to my old set up where 2 RCD's have been installed and for the shower and one foe all others? How safe is this? Old CU has worked fine for the last couple of years now with all existing appliances except for the shower which I installed today hence the CU renewal...

its seams now neutral its on the right place and not crossed any more and for that you not have any tripping..now carefully move all that circuits from RCD 1 to the original RCD you install before and see whats happened..but carefully check all neutrals if its on the right place..99% of this kind of tripping caused by cross neutrals if you understand whats mean '' cross neutral ''..

but the best advice its what Trev says to you..

 

[carlitto74uk]

tks for the advice spark123 just one question: if neutrals crossed before moving almost everything to rcd 1 then why small appliances (i.e. tv, pc even fridge) were working fine. only big appliances caused trips when powered up

 

[carlitto74uk]

no disrespect here but if I followed certain people's advice I'd probably need a quualified electrician to change a light bulb...
i thought this forum was intended for diy advise also...

 

[Knobhead]

Get him in the DIY section!

 

[carlitto74uk]

u'r prob right tony as said before i am new to this forum i didn't know where to post this thread i'll know from now on

 

[Pondy]

I agree with trev. This is a classic case of someone attempting electricial installation work without the knowledge or test equipment to make sure it is done safely. The only way forward I can see is for you to get an experienced electrician round with the proper test gear to find the fault for you. I know it sounds a bit harsh but would you attempt to replace the brakes on your car, and when they don't work go round to the main dealer and say to the mechanic, excuse me where have I gone wrong with fitting these brakes to my car, they would quite rightly say bring the car in and we will do it properly for you. It's the same thing.

 

[markc123]

In one of your posts you've said the old CU worked fine ...

Is there any reason you've decided to sling a 17th board in ? Or is it as it seems, and literally just for the hell of it.

Follow the testing sequence ... if you're not sure, like you quite clearly state then ring a professional. I'm all for helping DIY'ers where possible, but this isn't safe to advise online im afraid matey. Could be opening a can of worms here ... and for that reason, im out.

All the best.

 

[sparks123]

tks for the advice spark123 just one question: if neutrals crossed before moving almost everything to rcd 1 then why small appliances (i.e. tv, pc even fridge) were working fine. only big appliances caused trips when powered up

as i know electronic equipment do not tripping RCD if there its a cross neutrals..why ???..i dont know ..same problems its happened to me a long time ago and when i investigate neutral connection i find one neutrals cross to other RCD..after i move them on the right place problem its sort out..in some old installations electricians who do not have access to the right neutral on the one circuits , borrow them from the other circuits..on my experiences i find this problems on old installation on lighting circuits..dont be surprised for that because on the electricians installation industry survive many cowboy electricians..

 

[sparks123]

in the end of this story i can say '' the consumer unit installation '' its not DIY jobs man..or at list you have to be supervised by competent person..

 

[SparkyJoe]

Its not a diy job is it!!!

I mean you could argue that changing a light fitting or a socket could be done by anyone, but what you are attempting is daft. If you screw up said socket/light change the fuse might blow, if you screw up the db change you have nothing much to fall back on.
You're right you don't need a electrician to change a lightbulb (its a lamp) You do need one to change a disboard.

 

[Knobhead]

Get him in the DIY section!

u'r prob right tony as said before i am new to this forum i didn't know where to post this thread i'll know from now on

Ask one of the moderators to move you and this thread. There’s some qualified guys in there that may be willing to help, I’m not one of them!

 

[Pete999]

Did you carry out any tests prior to swapping the CU?

 

[Deleted member 9648]

There is an unfinished sticky on DIY electrics on this forum. Me thinks we need a full and clear sticky explaining that replacing a CU is not as simple as most think.

1. Replacing a CU comes under part P and it is illegal to.... a.Do so without notifying BC.....and b. without complying with Bs 7671.
2.Notifying BC yourself will probably cost more than paying a registered electrician to carry out the whole thing.
3.Complying with 7671 will include tests/inspections to verify the effectiveness of earthing and bonding,and tests and inspections to verify existing circuits are in a fit state to be connected to a modern CU.
4.A modern RCD protected CU will pick up faults and incorrect connections that your old CU wont.This is why tests are carried out before and during the replacement. These tests can only be carried out with proper equipment and the knowlege to use it. A neon screwdriver....martidale plug in tester....or multimeter will not carry out the required tests.
5.Those who think it's a simple swap will inevitably end up in the same boat as the OP here,and even if it works they may still have a dangerous CU without knowing it......and will have broken the law.

 

[Octopus]

no disrespect here but if I followed certain people's advice I'd probably need a quualified electrician to change a light bulb...
i thought this forum was intended for diy advise also...

Yup.

1. Call a registered competent spark
2. Spark refits CU
3. Spark includes full set of tests and issues EIC
4. Spark notifies LABC to comply with building regs
5. Numpty handyman pays extra bills
6. Happy customer.

Sorted.

 

[telectrix]

you could always nip down to b&q and ask that nice man in the orange overalls how to do it. if you're lucky he will give you a shiny little brochure on how to. one sentence in that brochure will be 2 get a qualified electrician to fit it".

 

[Marvo]

no disrespect here but if I followed certain people's advice I'd probably need a quualified electrician to change a light bulb...
i thought this forum was intended for diy advise also...

It is intended for DIY advise as well but there's a limit to the work DIY'ers with a limited skill set and limited range of test equipment should be doing.

The tripping issue you have is just a symptom of a more serious problem which it sounds like you are lacking the competency and test equipment to remedy safely. I can only advise you get a professional in to help you finish this job to a standard where it's safe for the users of the installation and the work can be notified as required by law.

I'm closing this thread because it running any longer is just likely to encourage an unsafe outcome.