Surprising tripping event

[JohnD]

While I was out of the house today, all three of my RCBO-protected socket circuit tripped at 1pm. I have never known this happen before. My installation is TNC-S. I have only ever known the ground-floor circuit trip before (it includes an external lamp).

I am going to guess that it might have been due to a nearby lightening strike, although, not being here, it will be difficult to be sure. The road outside is being dug up which might possibly be relevant.

I am between Portsmouth and Chichester.

Any other thoughts?

p.s. I got in just now, and can't find a lightening map that goes back more than 6 hours.

 

[Spark123]

I have known RCBOs, mainly the ones with electronic gadgetry trip for no apparent reason even when not connected to a final circuit. Like you say it could be owing to a surge on the network.

 

[RF Lighting]

Were your TVSSs affected?

 

[JohnD]

Haven't got any

 

[Steve]

TVSSs?

 

[JohnD]

I am shocked at your ignorance

They protect against white Vans (Transients)

"Search" TVSS

also see http://www.memonline.com/f111.html

 

[learner123]

Transient Voltage Surge Suppression (TVSS)

 

[securespark]

I knew the RCBO bubble would burst for you sooner or later....


Wonder if it would make any difference if they were segregated?

 

[JohnD]

luckily I also have a good stock of 100mA RCBOs and 100mA RCDs, some of them time-delayed.


Tell me more about the segregation idea

 

[securespark]

I wondered vaguely if these tripping RCBO's were banked together. If so, whether splitting them up would have made any difference?

 

[JohnD]

They are close, but not adjacent. There is an empty position between each (no barrier).

The white earth trace wires probably cross over each other.

It has only happened once.

 

[Adam_151]

Fleeting connection upstream is all I can come up with