I like those MK sockets. It's a shame they don't do an FCU to match. 
Bizzare fault(s)
- Thread starter RF Lighting
- Start date
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I must get a more up to date MK catalogue
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It seems a cost cutting exercise ended up with the RCD mechanism being used to operate the ON-OFF switch function as well as the safety isolation function thus saving the cost of building in a robust switch for the ON-OFF function.
The RCD mechanism has to be light weight almost flimsy construction to reduce weight and inertia of moving parts in order that it can operate rapidly when earth leakage occurs. Operated frequently as the ON-OFF function that mechanism may have worn out and the contact pressure reduced leading to overheating contacts.
The RCD mechanism has to be light weight almost flimsy construction to reduce weight and inertia of moving parts in order that it can operate rapidly when earth leakage occurs. Operated frequently as the ON-OFF function that mechanism may have worn out and the contact pressure reduced leading to overheating contacts.
I still prefer real paper catalougues. I'll be on the prowl for one at elex next week
The MK one looks very, very similar to this one: http://www.timeguard.com/products/s...fp10wl-rcd-white-fused-connection-unit-socket
Suspiciously similar
I'm not qualified or anything but have an electronics / engineering background and just have to wonder why this thing has to have electronics in it at all. It just seems asking for trouble having an IC / inductor etc in there... anyone got a schematic of the thing so we could have an idea what failed and why?
If I understand you correctly -
It is a Residual Current Circuit Breaker which detects a current imbalance between the line and neutral conductors (RC) passing through it because of a fault to earth by any path and disconnects the supply.
Not an expert but I don't think the electronics are too sophisticated.
This is a diagram for a stand-alone RCCB whereas in the thread it is built into an accessory.
It is a Residual Current Circuit Breaker which detects a current imbalance between the line and neutral conductors (RC) passing through it because of a fault to earth by any path and disconnects the supply.
Not an expert but I don't think the electronics are too sophisticated.
This is a diagram for a stand-alone RCCB whereas in the thread it is built into an accessory.
Spoke too soon 150 mile trip tonight as one wont turn on,
Yep thanks for that, that's how I had one of these devices pictured in my head... not sure what the now burned out RCCB adds except for unnecessary complexity? Safety devices which 'catch fire' are just great aren't they?
BTW you can see an 6 pin DIL IC in the circuit and a few other components in that 'RCCB'.
BTW you can see an 6 pin DIL IC in the circuit and a few other components in that 'RCCB'.
That's not a DIL, that's an SOIC, and it's quite clearly 8 pins. And you have no way of knowing what's inside it without reading the markings, so don't assume it's some complex circuit which you think is prone to failure.
If someone would like to spare one for investigation (RF, you still have the toasty one?), I'd be happy to see just what they're doing.
K
kai
That's why you cannot megger them safely, otherwise you can fry the electronics inside them! A warning sticker is supplied with these units, which should be stuck near the main switch of the installation, warning about disconnecting the RCD sockets before meggering the installations.
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