Rcd test

[sparko]

When doing the rcd test on sockets. Do you repeat the test at every socket in the ring or just at the middle of the ring, and within what time does the rcd have to trip at x1 its tripping current 200ms or 300ms? Thanks

 

[Farmelectrics]

When doing the rcd test on sockets. Do you repeat the test at every socket in the ring or just at the middle of the ring, and within what time does the rcd have to trip at x1 its tripping current 200ms or 300ms? Thanks

doing the tests at roughly the middle socket is exceptable and the tripping times of rcds depends on the rating of that particular rcd ie 30mA IS 40ms

 

[Phil]

have a look here

 

[IQ Electrical]

When doing the rcd test on sockets. Do you repeat the test at every socket in the ring or just at the middle of the ring, and within what time does the rcd have to trip at x1 its tripping current 200ms or 300ms? Thanks

If you do the tests at the DB, it can be a lot easier and faster.

For a BS61009/61008, the 1X maximum trip time is 300mS.

For the older BS4293, the 1X maximum trip time is 200mS.

Both should have a max of 40mS on 5X

 

[Des 56]

When doing the rcd test on sockets. Do you repeat the test at every socket in the ring or just at the middle of the ring, /QUOTE]

You are testing the charecteristic of the Rcd,this should be done on the load side with all loads disconnected
As advised,it is best tested at the consumer unit
You dont have to Rcd test at the sockets themselves,anywhere on the ring

 

[sparko]

Thanks guys, that has cleared things up for me

 

[MFHEng]

doing the tests at roughly the middle socket is exceptable and the tripping times of rcds depends on the rating of that particular rcd ie 30mA IS 40ms

It does'nt make any difference where in the circuit you do the test from, given the opperating speed of an RCD the closer to the rcd the easier it is to reset during the test cycle.

 

[olly w]

Just unplug as much equipment as you can because capacitors in equipment can upset your readings.

 

[IQ Electrical]

You disconnect ALL load

 

[olly w]

You disconnect ALL load

Yes but if the RCD is required work in real life the load will not be disconnected, so don't think that they are always going to react as your tester said they would.

 

[IQ Electrical]

Yes but if the RCD is required work in real life the load will not be disconnected, so don't think that they are always going to react as your tester said they would.

I'm telling you the correct procedure for rcd testing as per IEE Guidance Note 3, not my opinion...

 

[chiplard]

GN3 recommends to test between the the line conductor of the circuit and the cpc with the load disconnected.

This could be done at ANY socket and NOT the CU. You cannot have implemented safe isolation and test at the CU as the RCD test is a live test.

 

[IQ Electrical]

GN3 recommends to test between the the line conductor of the circuit and the cpc with the load disconnected.

This could be done at ANY socket and NOT the CU. You cannot have implemented safe isolation and test at the CU as the RCD test is a live test.

As is Ze and PFC....

 

[chiplard]

As is Ze and PFC....

Both carried out with the Main Switch in the OFF position

 

[IQ Electrical]

Both carried out with the Main Switch in the OFF position

But still a live test!

How will you test trip times on a lighting circuit fed via rcbo, up at a luminaire or at the consumer unit?

It's all about competence!

 

[chiplard]

The RCD disconnection time test is not mandatory in the BRB, the functional test is.

This is because complying with the Electricity at Work Regulations cannot be met for applying all RCD tests.

 

[IQ Electrical]

The RCD disconnection time test is not mandatory in the BRB, the functional test is.

This is because complying with the Electricity at Work Regulations cannot be met for applying all RCD tests.

Have you been drinking?

 

[Phil]

the functional test will not determine nuisance tripping and only detects the mechanical functioning of the rcd

 

[Phil]

gn3 states "where there is rcd protection, the effective operation of each rcd must be verified" reg 612.8.1

 

[IQ Electrical]

gn3 states "where there is rcd protection, the effective operation of each rcd must be verified" reg 612.8.1

That's the one!

 

[Des 56]

If you dont test the rcd,other than a functional test
How would you know it meets the disconnection time
The ewr stipulates un necessary live working it doesn't forbid live working

 

[brucelee]

A rcd has to be tested if present to make sure it disconnects in the required time a press of the button does not determine this using a rcd tester does by carrying out the rcd test sequence

and nearly always done directly at rcd or rcbo in ccu only time you dont have to is for a socket circuit in a convienient location ie near the ccu so you can switch rcd back on every time it trips and these should be done before pressing the test button to check mechanical parts of the rcd

and its carried out with all loads removed ie
lights switched off
tvs, computers, removed or switched off
cooker switched off at the dp cooker switch
but its still a live test has to be or the rcd wouldnt work anyway when tested

if done at ccu isolate all breakers then load is isolated but the main switch is on and the rcd and is tested on the load side
if done on sockets then everything is on but unplug everything to remove the loads and test as close to the ccu as you can to aid resetting the rcd after each test
once all done and correct then press the test button for the functional test