VOELCB - testing question

[jasew]

Just found the first one of these I've seen.

On a TT system old 1960-70s bungalow.

It does test with the integral test button.

Is there anyway to test it works in the case of a fault condition?


Cheers
Jase

 

[SPARTYKUS]

there might be but I think the Part P document in 2006 states ditch it (just checking)

its in the van and locked up (am old with kids so off to bed on a saturday night at 9:14 game over man! game over!) So someone else answer and make me look (even more) stupid.

 

[jasew]

I checked the P doc - it only says you might come across in older installations.

Jase

 

[yellowvanman]

In the ESC document - Periodic inspection reporting - it gives Code 4 stating:
Reliance on a voltage-operated earth leakage breaker for fault protection, subject to the device being proved to operate correctly.

Personnally I'd recommend replacing and don't know how they could be tested anyway - I don't think an rcd test would trip it!

 

[Sintra]

It needs to be replaced.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

VOELCBs are tested by applying voltage to the earth conductor through the device.
One of the things that should be checked, is that device is between the CU and all earthy connections such as the main earth and the main bonding.
Yes it should be replaced, as sole reliance on one does not comply with BS7671.

 

[Engineer54]

VOELCBs are tested by applying voltage to the earth conductor through the device.
One of the things that should be checked, is that device is between the CU and all earthy connections such as the main earth and the main bonding.
Yes it should be replaced, as sole reliance on one does not comply with BS7671.

Agree they should always be replaced!! There was a test kit to prove these units were in working order, but haven't seen one for yonks!! They weren't the most reliable form of protection at the best of times anyway, being susceptible to all sorts of stray voltage on the system....