Random voltage/Power loss

[Shorne]

Hello everyone I am a new member to this and was wondering if anyone can help.

We have a client at a pub that randomly loses power to several circuits for about 2 seconds, then comes back on. We are trying to establish whether the problem is coming from the incoming supply or a sub circuit. The electrical suppliers are saying that the problem is not on the incoming supply , is there any tests I can do to establish why and where they are having this?

Thanks

 

[westward10]

Sounds like a loose connection. If you are losing several circuits sounds like it maybe within a dist board.

 

[telectrix]

first your visual tests. check all terminations applicable to the suspect circuit/s. then it's logical sequence of dead testing followed by live testing, as in the book/s.

 

[Shorne]

The problem is that it's not just one final circuit that loses power, its several and its random.

Also the problem is coming from 2 separate fuseboards. We have done visual checks. We originally found one fuseboard had internal busbar damage which we have since replaced but the problem still persists.

It's so random that they could go days without anything happening.

 

[Andy-1960]

Is it a 3 phase supply?

 

[Specialist]

The problem is that it's not just one final circuit that loses power, its several and its random.

Also the problem is coming from 2 separate fuseboards. We have done visual checks. We originally found one fuseboard had internal busbar damage which we have since replaced but the problem still persists.

It's so random that they could go days without anything happening.

Is it just random circuits or a whole Dis board that drops out ?.

 

[Pete999]

Get an EICR done, any loose connections bad wiring should be higlighted

 

[Shorne]

It's just random circuits, but varies each time it happens. It's racking my brains, thinking of getting a voltage logger set up

 

[Octopus]

I think the clue is "at a pub" - pubs are notorious for carp electrical installations..... best get some more facts..... but the basic checks on live and neutral connections would make sense........

 

[Specialist]

If the faults are that random then a voltage logger won't do much good, what circuits would you connect to ?

As Murdoch said, pub wiring is notorious. Especially if a brewery in house job.

 

[telectrix]

go in with an open mind, set an hourly rate of 3 pints per hour. all will soon become crystal blurred.

 

[Specialist]

You forgot food tel, but at that rate I'll meet you there

 

[Shorne]

I'm thinking of putting voltage logger at main incomer i.e supply side of main switch to see if any issues at source. Asked UKPN to come out to set this up but that could be other side of Christmas

 

[Specialist]

The problem is that it's not just one final circuit that loses power, its several and its random.

Also the problem is coming from 2 separate fuseboards. We have done visual checks. We originally found one fuseboard had internal busbar damage which we have since replaced but the problem still persists.

It's so random that they could go days without anything happening.

Sorry just re read this, are you saying that after changing 1 board the problems still exist on that board ?

 

[Shorne]

Is it a 3 phase supply?

Yes it's a 3 phase supply Andy

 

[Shorne]

Sorry just re read this, are you saying that after changing 1 board the problems still exist on that board ?

Yes changed the kitchen DB but still problem exists

 

[Pete999]

You forgot food tel, but at that rate I'll meet you there

Can you get fined or something if you are caught DIS drunk in charge of a screwdriver?

 

[Specialist]

I'm thinking of putting voltage logger at main incomer i.e supply side of main switch to see if any issues at source. Asked UKPN to come out to set this up but that could be other side of Christmas

Sorry mate: Maybe I'm getting dense with age, but how would that help ? If it was a supply problem then all circuits on that board would drop out not one or two random circuits.

 

[Octopus]

Think there is more to this then the OP is letting on.....

Why would you change a CU for "just" busbar damage?

 

[Pete999]