Open circuit neutral

[the_pasty]

Hi.

I have an open circuit on the neutral conductor when testing ring continuity. I've taken off all the socket fronts i could find but didn't locate the problem. I know i've got to find it but in the meantime what's the worst case scenario if this situation is left as is until i can find the problem? If the open circuit was on the phase i'd put in a 20A MCB. Should I do this anyway?
Thanks

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Of course you should - just as much current flows in the neutral conductor as the line.

Put it on a 20A, and disconnect one neutral at the CU. Some sockets will work, some won't.

Then swap which N is connected.

A different set of sockets will work and not work.

You might then have a strong clue as to where the break is.

 

[Spark123]

It is pretty straight forwards to fault find it if you know roughly the cable route:
Disconnect the 2 ends of the ring at the CU
Unplug everything
Connect L&N together on one leg only.
Check the resistance between L&N at each point.
Swop over the L&N link to the other leg
Do the same again.
You should be able to narrow it down to a couple of sockets where the fault lies.

 

[the_pasty]

Thanks guys, a couple of great common sense solutions to save my over-tired brain from having to work-out. I need a holiday.

 

[nozspark]

Doit the way 123 says...

You should not be trying to find this fault with the circuit energised!!