Open PEN Monitor Issue

[djgelectrical]

Hi,

I've recently done some work for a client who has an Open PEN Monitor which includes a 63A RCD Type B. Fed from the Open PEN monitor is a 32A TP + N commando socket (with RCCB Type A) which is used to charge a forklift truck.

The customer is intermittently getting a problem where the phase sequence relay and RCD in the PEN monitor trip when the socket is in use. The most recent report was that it was in use for 5 hours and all ok, then when they unplugged the forklift from the commando socket it cause the RCD and PEN monitor to trip.

Looking to see if anyone has any ideas on how to troubleshoot this.

 

[PS Electrics]

Hi,

I've recently done some work for a client who has an Open PEN Monitor which includes a 63A RCD Type B. Fed from the Open PEN monitor is a 32A TP + N commando socket (with RCCB Type A) which is used to charge a forklift truck.

The customer is intermittently getting a problem where the phase sequence relay and RCD in the PEN monitor trip when the socket is in use. The most recent report was that it was in use for 5 hours and all ok, then when they unplugged the forklift from the commando socket it cause the RCD and PEN monitor to trip.

Looking to see if anyone has any ideas on how to troubleshoot this.

Some ideas

Have a look at patent GB2578339A this explains how it works. Basically creates a virtual neutral to compare voltage reference to the PEN conductor.

GB2578339A - Open PEN detection and shut down system - Google Patents

An open protective earth neutral (PEN) and shut down system where a virtual neutral 5 is created by connecting together each of the three live conductors 1, 2, 3 in a star configuration 4. The voltage difference between the virtual neutral 5 and the PEN connector is measured using a voltage...

patents.google.com

Not a great deal of info but there is a diagram and an explanation.

A brief explanation of the device.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWGDnnckl-o&t=7s


Also check out matt-e.co.uk some installation documents there but not much info on troubleshooting.

EVCC2&3 Installation Manual v1.12 Mar 21
Models: EVU-2-32-TP-M (R), EVU-3-32-TP-M (R)
EVU-6-32-M (R) EVU-1-32-TP-3-32- M (R) EVU-1-100-TP
EVU-CUSTOM

Seems to be that model on page 12. Interesting that, that rotary switch next to the monitoring unit allows the unit to be tested.

Apologies if you are a aware of all of the above.

I suspect the only way to troubleshoot this would be to install voltage logging equipment.

 

[djgelectrical]

Hi,

Thanks for the info PS Electrics. I had seen the YouTube video already but not the manuals so that's definitely useful.

I've reached out to matt-e as well to see if they have any additional help. I plan to go to site next week to see if I can reproduce the issue but will also make a note to check the wiring is correct and use the test functionality.

 

[PS Electrics]

Hi,

Thanks for the info PS Electrics. I had seen the YouTube video already but not the manuals so that's definitely useful.

I've reached out to matt-e as well to see if they have any additional help. I plan to go to site next week to see if I can reproduce the issue but will also make a note to check the wiring is correct and use the test functionality.

Would just add I couldn't find any info on Greentec the website is no longer available but an archive of that threw up Patent GB2578339A, it was pending on that website but is now live. Interestingly the person who submitted that patent is a director at Matt:e and they also list that patent number so there is some link between the two so they should definitely be able to give you more help.

Hope you manage to resolve this, intermittent faults are the worst ones. Please report back if you find anything useful.

 

[djgelectrical]

One of the directors from matt:e called Richard has offered to provide some remote support when I'm next on site. I expect that may well be the guy you're referring to.

Will drop some updates in here once I know more.