Nuisance tripping after splitting a ring main

[Mfctitch]

With that IR reading my guess is there is a load you're not aware of plus a L-N or N-E fault

Have you checked for outside sockets, lights, RCD sockets,

Is this the only socket circuit in the house?

It's the only circuit tripping and it runs the kitchen sockets and appliances

 

[Octopus]

It's the only circuit tripping and it runs the kitchen sockets and appliances

Have you checked the adjacent rooms? Cooker hood? sockets hidden behind pelmets, sitting in water leaking from the washing machine or dish washer ?

 

[DPG]

How many sockets in kitchen? Might be worth disconnecting them all one by one. Be quicker in long run probably.

 

[Mfctitch]

How many sockets in kitchen? Might be worth disconnecting them all one by one. Be quicker in long run probably.

it's looking that way 8 sockets and 6 FCU's

 

[Octopus]

it's looking that way 8 sockets and 6 FCU's

It is what it is!

If the customer wants it fixed, then they will see what your are having to do and then the bill won't come as a massive shock

How long has the kitchen been in?

 

[Charlie_]

You have also disconnected both legs back at the consumer unit?

 

[SparkyAndGeorge]

Anything outside any external sockets or flood lights?

 

[Mfctitch]

You have also disconnected both legs back at the consumer unit?

yes both legs are disconnected at the board

 

[ipf]

Tut, tut....kitchen faults. OP's head 'll be spinning. Start from scratch. Check at all sockets for direct spurs or even JB's behind units. Disconnect all sockets and FCU's...(neons). Test each leg after each disconnection. You don't mention any continuity testing.

 

[Mfctitch]

Anything outside any external sockets or flood lights?

Tut, tut....kitchen faults. OP's head 'll be spinning. Start from scratch. Check at all sockets for direct spurs or even JB's behind units. Disconnect all sockets and FCU's...(neons). Test each leg after each disconnection. You don't mention any continuity testing.

from short leg which we believe goes straight back to the board we are getting continuity on the L and E

 

[Octopus]

from short leg which we believe goes straight back to the board we are getting continuity on the L and E

When you say continuity, do you mean end to end on the cores or from one to another?

And what about the neutral?

I would do IR tests from both "ends" of the leg .............

what were the R2 readings for each of the L, N and CPC before you took the ring apart?

 

[ipf]

from short leg which we believe goes straight back to the board we are getting continuity on the L and E

What about neutral?........or do you mean between L and E, a short cct?

 

[hasel5]

Not being rude but do you actually know what you are doing?

 

[Mfctitch]

When you say continuity, do you mean end to end on the cores or from one to another?

from one another


And what about the neutral?
neutral to earth ok
neutral to live ok
only getting it on live to earth

I would do IR tests from both "ends" of the leg .............

what were the R2 readings for each of the L, N and CPC before you took the ring apart?

from one to another

 

[Mfctitch]

Not being rude but do you actually know what you are doing?

fair point
but at this time of night i'm not even sure what my own name is any more

but we are going through the slow process of taking sockets apart and testing

 

[ipf]

L-E fault on shortest leg wants sorting first, it seems.
What experience do you have?

 

[Octopus]

fair point
but at this time of night i'm not even sure what my own name is any more

but we are going through the slow process of taking sockets apart and testing

Who is “we”?

Basic rules of fault finding

Continuity of all cores
Ir of all cores
Split circuit

Repeat above

If you don’t confirm end to end continuity of the cores, you will go round in circles

 

[DPG]

Your original post said 5 double sockets didn't it? Where are the extra 3 to make 8?

 

[SparkyAndGeorge]

Maybe its time to call it a day. Fault finding takes years of experience to master. Why not be honest to your friend and say its above your level. Nothing wrong with knowing your limits and holding your hands up to admit it. Get the guy to get an experienced sparky in to locate the fault and explain where and how he located it. Use this as a opportunity to learn.

 

[Wilko]

Hi - it might just be worth repeating IR at 250V to be sure you are not looking into some surge arrestor somewhere.