Tell us about your faults!

[Richard Burns]

What was the voltage between the two line busbars when the RCD is off and the main switch on and all breakers off?
If 0 then busbars are connected, if 230 then they are not.

 

[Kate]

didnt test between both busbars, only did one busbar at a time to E or N
Main switch on and RCD off:
left busbar 230v to E or N
right busbar 0V to E or N

 

[Richard Burns]

Your continuity test was done with both RCD and main switch off?

- - - Updated - - -

Though the bus bars do look like they are in contact

 

[Kate]

yes, my tester has a panic attack if i do continuity on a live source
they look in contact, continuity proves they are.
Yet no voltage?!? thats why im confused

 

[Richard Burns]

Sorry I assume the supply was off, just trying to get to the source of the differing readings, obviously if the RCD was on then you would get 0 ohms continuity.

 

[Kate]

My tester wont do continuity on a live source. RCD was off for all tests, Main switch off for continuity, on for voltage checks.

 

[Bij Lee]

Went to a friends house to replace a switch. Couldn't isolate the circuit via MCBs on the CU. There were about 10 MCBs on a split board, both RCD protected. Switched off all MCBs but still couldn't isolate power. Had to use main switch.

 

[HandySparks]

Went to a friends house to replace a switch. Couldn't isolate the circuit via MCBs on the CU. There were about 10 MCBs on a split board, both RCD protected. Switched off all MCBs but still couldn't isolate power. Had to use main switch.

Did you not bother to investigate why?

Could either be fed direct off the main switch (unlikely) or, if you only tried one breaker at a time, the lighting could be fed off two breakers in parallel. Either way this needs sorting.

 

[sparkybob1]

After replacement db fitted the rcd was tripping when powered up. After investigation found a shared neutral on the stairs lighting. Was easy enough to rectify by altering wiring. What is your opinion on putting both lighting circuits on the same rcd?

 

[Bobster]

After replacement db fitted the rcd was tripping when powered up. After investigation found a shared neutral on the stairs lighting. Was easy enough to rectify by altering wiring. What is your opinion on putting both lighting circuits on the same rcd?

Simple tests would have shown this up before the board change.

I take it by easy fix you've just shoved both circuits on the same Rcd? So the lighting circuits still have a borrowed neutral?

 

[chrisjacob]

I have gathered lots of useful information from this thread. I want to share one of my faulting experience. There is a fault in my boss cabin and he called me in the midnight for checking this issue, as I have little knowledge about handling electrical equipments. Actually the problem is that sockets were going on and off and the extension was also very old. When I will try to repair it,suddenly fire occurs and which destroys the whole office.That was horrible experience.But after reading this post, all my doubts are clear.

 

[Bij Lee]

Good question. I was called round in the evening and only had time to do what I had been called to do - replace the switch (and a socket). I pointed out the issue to my friend and I am planning to go back to investigate. Thanks for the tip.

 

[sparkybob1]

Simple tests would have shown this up before the board change.

I take it by easy fix you've just shoved both circuits on the same Rcd? So the lighting circuits still have a borrowed neutral?

The lighting circuits were split into two, was a council house so had to be on separate rcd. Was told keeping the shared neutral but putting all the lights one one circuit was acceptable? Your thoughts? What simple tests would have shown this up? An electrical condition report had been completed already.

 

[telectrix]

as the problem is usually with the landing 2 way light, a simple test would be to switch off the upstairs lighting breaker and see whether the landing light still worked. if it does, then it's 90% certain that it gets it's L supply from the downstairs circuit.

 

[Kate]

Quick tip for some future lighting problems.

 

[hubsy]

Found these on an ISI&TEE

Company didn't want these items checked, they have lasted for 4 years without problem, why check them.

They shrugged shoulders when shown these items.

 

[hubsy]

This passed an Inspection and test. Open to customers.

 

[hubsy]

This passed as well.

 

[hubsy]

Done by a qualified electrician.

really?

 

[hubsy]

Left after repair by contractors.