RCD Question..

[mikeymoo]

Can anyone explain why on a split board (RCD+NON RCD) That the RCD neutral has its own neutral bar? When in fact if you were to follow the neutral cable, they all go back to the same source anyway??

 

[Des 56]

They go back to the same sourceyes ,but it is through the rcd, otherwise the rcd would imbalance

 

[mikeymoo]

I know the theory behind the inbalance of current between the Line and neutral causing the rcd to trip. But why does it need a seperate neutral bar? isnt the inbalance just going to be in the faulty Line and neutral of the individual ciruit? and not the neutral as a all.. So why would it matter what side its on. Although i know its does need to been on the rcd side. Just cant get my head around as to why

 

[Spudnik]

The neutrals are the same on the supply side of the RCD/ main switch but on the outgoing side they are separate. This prevents the RCD from tripping from other circuits not protected by it.

 

[mikeymoo]

Got it now lol! when i looked at a diagram and followed the current path it become clear. Was trying to work it out in my head while having one to many beers!

 

[Des 56]

The socket circuit in the split load board is fed through the main switch through the RCd then mcb then load and returned via the neutral bar to the RCd then through the RCd, back to the supply neutral
Balance has been maintained

Without the seperate neutral bar, this is a facility for connecting all the outgoing circuits from the RCD side, every one of those cables would need connecting into the RCD terminal
Again without the neutral bar and just connecting to the main neutral bar, the neutral of the sockets load has by passed the RCD and it will imbalance


Well done
I posted without seeing yours

 

[mikeymoo]

cheers Guys! pointed a slightly tipsy guy down the right road.. lol