Hi - we have a triple light switch that operates 1)pendant in celiling, 2)wall lights and 3)table lamps plugged into 3 pin sockets. Using a test meter it shows a current of 15 to 19v on the output ends of the cables when they are switched off. When the neutral and earth touch, the consumer unit trips. Is this a fault with the earth - any ideas on remedies? Thanks in advance
Live earth?
- Thread starter Layla
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it is an RCD that trips - you are introducing a neutral-earth fault. Neutral and earth are not isolated when you turn off the MCB in the consumer unit, so the RCD can still "see" them. Normal thing to happen.
Be sure that when you say 'Neutral' that you are correctly identifying what is an actual neutral and not just a black wire.
Some black wires at the switch or lamp position may be switched live wires with no clear markings.
Some black wires at the switch or lamp position may be switched live wires with no clear markings.
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But those switchwires are in effect "neutrals" when the light is off, with the neutral backfeeding through the lamp..
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When you say the consumer unit trips what do you mean?
If it is an RCD (it will have a test button) then this is to be expected when E & N are joined.
If it is MCB then something is wrong.
Can you give a little more info please?
If it is an RCD (it will have a test button) then this is to be expected when E & N are joined.
If it is MCB then something is wrong.
Can you give a little more info please?
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