Power Shower Broken RCD

[EFLImpudence]

He used his electricity meter and measured the input at the bottom and top of the RCD and found current going in at the bottom but not out at the top.

Just to say - though not impossible - it would normally, and judging by the picture, be the other way round. .

 

[EssexMike]

Assuming its probably this thats at fault then. Could switching on the shower have basically finished off the RCD assuming it was on the way out anyway

It's possible, but do you have any evidence to say the RCD was ever functioning correctly? It could also be a fault on the lighting circuit that has caused the issue.
How old is this unit? If less than twelve months return it, if not, you may still have a right to a refund under the sales of goods act.

Good question, we moved in 3 years ago and only now had the problems with it after I switched the shower on. My reasoning on it being the shower is that it happened as soon as that went on.....although I did switch the bathroom light on as well shortly before. Would moisture buildup in the light cause issues?

 

[EssexMike]

Out of interest does the main isolator switch of the RCD lock in and out in the open/closed positions?
If so on occasions does it energies the load side?

Not sure I iunderstand fully....it just acts like the other fuses on the board ie can be flicked up or down but doesnt lock in position, but even in the open position I still have no power leaving it and going upstairs

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

Did your electrician take every thing off load when testing the RCD?
As EFLI has just mentioned, you would expect to be testing the incoming supply at the top of the RCD and at the bottom of it for the load side.
I would also have tried a continuity test between the supply and load of each pole, just to confirm that the one or both contacts are not closing.

 

[swampy2]

How is your 2 way Rcd board power supplied, Henley block or from a fuse in existing board?.
I know you said he tested and current was on bottom/load side of Rcd, but he doesn`t inspire confidence to me.

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

Not sure I iunderstand fully....it just acts like the other fuses on the board ie can be flicked up or down but doesnt lock in position, but even in the open position I still have no power leaving it and going upstairs

Does the RCD isolation switch go rigidly in to position (oooh matron!) or flop about loosely (double oooh!)?

 

[EssexMike]

How is your 2 way Rcd board power supplied, Henley block or from a fuse in existing board?.
I know you said he tested and current was on bottom/load side of Rcd, but he doesn`t inspire confidence to me.

Its takes a feed from an existing fuse on another board that sits below it via a henley block. drawing attached....apologies for the shocking paint skills

Untitled

• EssexMike
• 27 Nov 2013
• 1

out the top of the niglon box a bunch of cables go up into the ceiling and presumably upstairs to the shower and lighting circuit

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

How is your 2 way Rcd board power supplied, Henley block or from a fuse in existing board?.
I know you said he tested and current was on bottom/load side of Rcd, but he doesn`t inspire confidence to me.

It may not be that the electrician is not inspiration but maybe the OPs version of events are not correct.

 

[EssexMike]

Not sure I iunderstand fully....it just acts like the other fuses on the board ie can be flicked up or down but doesnt lock in position, but even in the open position I still have no power leaving it and going upstairs

Does the RCD isolation switch go rigidly in to position (oooh matron!) or flop about loosely (double oooh!)?

LOL I will test shortly. I believe the latter but will confirm

 

[swampy2]

If its a rewireable fuse(fusewire) can you remove & and see if its blown?.

 

[EssexMike]

If its a rewireable fuse(fusewire) can you remove & and see if its blown?.

Ive checked them all and all look fine

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Its takes a feed from an existing fuse on another board that sits below it via a henley block.

Untitled

• EssexMike
• 27 Nov 2013
• 1

Why have that henley block instead of an unbroken cable coming from the main CU?

 

[EssexMike]

Its takes a feed from an existing fuse on another board that sits below it via a henley block.

Untitled

• EssexMike
• 27 Nov 2013
• 1

Why have that henley block instead of an unbroken cable coming from the main CU?

Im no expert so not sure. It is linked into my electricity meter as well not sure why its been done like that though....sorry guys

 

[EssexMike]

I will try and take a picture of the whole lot and post up tomorrow so you can see the full setup

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

Could you also speak to the electrician and ask what test they did and what readings/conclusions were made?