Routine MCB and RCD Testing

[shelby3]

Is there anything on the market (at a reasonble price) which you can use to simulate a fault with your RCD/MCB's ?

For example I just had a periodic test done, and the electrician had an expensive piece of kit, which once plugged into a socket, will simulate an earth fault and trip the RCD on the main CU... is there anything for the average homeowner to do checks now and again ? for example, homeowners are allowed to extend current circuits by spurring off an un-spurred socket, then would it be prudent to test the socket ? (this can all be done without Part P).

Also - can you simulate a fault with an MCB safely ?

 

[shelby3]

just to be clear, obviously the above can be done without Part P if it's in a safe zone.. ie. not the kitchen/bathroom etc.

 

[Spark123]

You can buy an RCD tester which tells you how quickly the RCD disconnects for a given fault current, normally mA (thousandths of an amp). These are normally a few hundred £s, tho you may pick up one on ebay cheaper.
Before using an RCD tester you should verify the earth fault loop impedance is satisfactory, a tester is also a few hundred £s!
Then you need to consider if they are in calibration.

There isn't a general tester for MCBs on the market.

for example, homeowners are allowed to extend current circuits by spurring off an un-spurred socket, then would it be prudent to test the socket ? (this can all be done without Part P).

It can be done in certain areas without notification to the LABC under part p, the installed circuit still needs to comply with P1 of part p.

 

[sparkyspike]

You can get RCD testers for about £200. You can press the T button to check the RCD actually works and you could simulate a fault by touching Neutral to Earth, but neither of these methods measure the trip speed or current, so will not be a complete test.

 

[mattylad]

I'd have though it would be cheaper to remove all your MCB's etc from the CU & walk round to the nearest place with one & pay to get them tested

 

[Spark123]

Do you know anywhere that has an MCB tester?

 

[Pensdown]

32amp un-calibrated MCB tester

Untitled

• Pensdown
• 18 Aug 2008
• 1