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RCD tripping during Storm Ashley

  • 21-10-2024 07:47PM
    #1
    SuperMacs
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 38 ✭


    We have had a very small intermittent RCD trip for sometime. The trip for the sockets would trip maybe once every couple of months. Not frequent enough to determine what device it was (if it was a device).

    Then last weekend during Storm Ashley, the grid power in rural Galway was under strain with trees down. The house lights were flickering intermittently, same as our neighbors.

    Now the interesting part, the RCD for the sockets would trip when the house lights started to flicker really badly. But only the sockets RCD, all the rest were OK. Sockets would go off, but the lights, oven, heating system all stayed on flickering. Put the trip back up, and the next time the grid made the lights flicker, the trip went again.

    I assumed the intermittent RCD trip was an internal issue. But because it was tripping when there was surges on the grid indicates the issue is external. Anyone got any ideas what the issue maybe? And could the RCD for the sockets be overly sensitive?

    GRMA

    Tagged:


Comments

  • #2
    meercat
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,922 ✭✭✭meercat


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058377046/rcd-tripping-during-storm-ashley

    a competent rec should be able to get to the bottom of this


    some rcd testing and insulation resistance testing should identify the issue



  • #3
    Lenar3556
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,112 ✭✭✭Lenar3556


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058377046/rcd-tripping-during-storm-ashley

    Certain loads naturally leak small currents to earth as part of their normal operation. Computer power supplies for example. One possibly is that one of these is leaking a little too much and its operation is affected by the power interruptions.

    A mA clamp meter should find it.



  • #4
    whizbang
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,050 ✭✭✭whizbang


    99% of all intermittant trips are where water is involved.

    during the storm there was a lot of hard driving rain that will penetrate given the slightest chance. Whats the chances you have an outside light that doesnt work anymore, disconnected etc..



  • #5
    SuperMacs
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 38 ✭SuperMacs


    Wanted to post here our resolution.

    I also failed to explain that the RCD would trip intermittently every couple of months. Random, no washing machine or oven.

    Even though it was highly unlikely, I decided to swap out the RCD, like for like. And now we have been more then year without the RCD tripping.

    Which tells me, it was actually the trip switch. Highly unlikely but…



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