2 x Halogen Floodlights tripping MCB

[pughd]

I have just installed 2 x Halogen 500W floodlights together with a PIR. These are installed on it's own circuit connected to a B6 MCB. There is nothing else on the circuit. All wiring is 1.5mm.

I am having intermittant trip on the MCB when the lights are activated. The trip is not happening all the time! If I reset the trip the lights will work fine, it seems to trip after a long period of inactivity (Not everytime).

Should I be looking for a fault or is this a problem with a marginal surge current.

If the latter I believe I have a number of options, downgrade to 300W (don't really want to do this), change to a C6 MCB or change to B10 MCB (seems to be an overkill for a 1kW circuit)

Any suggestions or comments.

Dave

 

[plugwash]

its almost certainly a switch on surge hitting the fast trip point of the mcb (halogen lights have a very high switch on surge)

A C6 or a 5A cartridge fuse is probablly the best choice here.

 

[pughd]

Thanks for your quick reply

Dave

 

[who took my fluke?]

if the lights are outside i would check the boxes for water ingress

 

[pughd]

Just received my C6 MCB today, installed it and the lights worked fine.

Thanks for your help

Dave