New shower keeps tripping RCD

Kev85 · 28 Feb 2011

Hi, I'm installing a new shower and for whatever reason beyond my knowledge it keeps tripping the RCD. The complete set up is as follows,
8.5Kw shower (according to manual it's 7.8Kw on 230V) wired to 45A D/P isolating switch using 6mm T/e cable, from the switch the cable follows other elec cables back to the consumer unit which has an 80A 30mA RCD covering (My showers)40A, a 32A and 2 16A.
While I understand all of these would trip the RCD, my 40A trips as soon as i push it up even when it's the first one. I've checked all of my earths, and I'm aware that 6mm is probably sub-par but the entire run is just less than 4M. Anyway any help would be very much appreciated.
Kev

Taylortwocities · 28 Feb 2011

I am confused.

You said

Kev85 said:
While I understand all of these would trip the RCD, my 40A trips as soon as i push it up even when it's the first one. I've checked all of my earths,...........

What trips, the RCD or the 40A MCB??
also
Is this new cabling, or are you using existing?

Kev85 · 28 Feb 2011

Both, spark from the MCB and they trip, New wiring

ricicle · 28 Feb 2011

Is it the MCB or RCD that is tripping ?
Do you realise if you are not competant and have wired this shower that any negligence on your part could kill you or your family ?
Did you notify your LABC before commencing this work ?
Why do you think that the 6mm is 'sub-par' ?

sherlockholmes · 28 Feb 2011

Got your neutral going to the right bar?

Taylortwocities · 28 Feb 2011

So you have a fault somewhere.

What were the results of the Insulation Resistance testing when you did your tests before energising the circuit?

Kev85 · 28 Feb 2011

ricicle said:
Do you realise if you are not competant and have wired this shower that any negligence on your part could kill you or your family ?
Did you notify your LABC before commencing this work ?

Why is electricity dangerous? Well they never told me that in the backward school of retarded monkeys! Of course I'm bloody competant, only a complete feckin idiot would go messing about mains electricity without knowing what they're doing, I have reached a point where I either rip the wiring and uprate it along with the RCD or take suggestions from others who may point out what i've missed, If I wanted preaching at I would of asked the wife. and yes it's all above board.

flameport · 28 Feb 2011

Kev85 said:
Both, spark from the MCB and they trip, New wiring

Dead short then, so either the cable is seriously damaged, or something is connected wrongly. Probably the switch.

ricicle · 28 Feb 2011

Kev85 said:
Of course I'm bloody competant, only a complete feckin idiot would go messing about mains electricity without knowing what they're doing,

Obviously

Kev85 · 28 Feb 2011

Taylortwocities said:
What were the results of the Insulation Resistance testing when you did your tests before energising the circuit?

I haven't tested it, it triped twice, I looked at the time and thought sod it internet, i'll test it in the morn

flameport · 28 Feb 2011

Kev85 said:
I haven't tested it, it triped twice, I looked at the time and thought s** it internet, i'll test it in the morn

Why are you ignoring 612.1 ?

Kev85 · 28 Feb 2011

flameport said:
Kev85 said:

Both, spark from the MCB and they trip, New wiring

Click to expand...

Dead short then, so either the cable is seriously damaged, or something is connected wrongly. Probably the switch.

I'll check the switch first thing, it wouldn't surprise me, if not i'll rip the cable and put in 10mm

sherlockholmes · 28 Feb 2011

Is the neutral of your new circuit in the correct bar back at the CU?

Incidentally, if you're going to pretend that you will run the proper tests, I think they're generally performed before you try switching it on.

Kev85 · 1 Mar 2011

flameport said:
Why are you ignoring 612.1 ?

Because it's an at home job, my kit is in the van 1/4 mile away, and it's bleeding cold outside, it can wait til tomorrow.

Kev85 · 1 Mar 2011

sherlockholmes said:
Is the neutral of your new circuit in the correct bar back at the CU?

Incidentally, if you're going to pretend that you will run the proper tests, I think they're generally performed before you try switching it on.

I believe so but I will check and i will be testing it, I was plainly and simply tired and fed up and in a cutting corners and pray-to-god-it-works mood

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New shower keeps tripping RCD

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