Earth Leakage
- Thread starter Born2work
- Start date
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it is intended to cut the power if there is a fault which results in current flowing to earth.
common causes are: water leak onto electrical parts, e.g. kettle, boiler, shower
damaged cable, e.g. lawnmower cuts it
person pokes knife into toaster and gets a shock
post a photo and we can tell you more. some old types are not considered safe.
it should be tested every few months or it is much more likely to stick and fail to work in an emergency.
common causes are: water leak onto electrical parts, e.g. kettle, boiler, shower
damaged cable, e.g. lawnmower cuts it
person pokes knife into toaster and gets a shock
post a photo and we can tell you more. some old types are not considered safe.
it should be tested every few months or it is much more likely to stick and fail to work in an emergency.
Thats an Residual Current Device. Its purpose is to detect an inbalance between phase and neutral conductors and to disconnect the supply in the event that it finds one. An inbalance shows that current is flowing from the phase conductor but not all of it is returning via the neutral, hence some must be flowing to earth somewhere.
The 'reset' button is actually a test button - this tests the mechanical working of the device and should be operated atleast quarterly. You should have a label affixed somewhere nearby that states this.
The 'reset' button is actually a test button - this tests the mechanical working of the device and should be operated atleast quarterly. You should have a label affixed somewhere nearby that states this.
John / Davy
Thanks for your quick response.
Thats satisfied my 'learn something new everyday' requirement
As I said, it was just idle curiosity, have never had a problem with it but tis nice to know
Thanks again
Thanks for your quick response.
Thats satisfied my 'learn something new everyday' requirement
As I said, it was just idle curiosity, have never had a problem with it but tis nice to know
Thanks again
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Residual-current_device
It may turn out to be more useful than that - what does it actually say on the device? Can you post a photo?
You might if you don't use the test button as directed....
i second that, from your use of the words "earth leakage" it may be an ELCB rather than an RCD which if i understand they dont work very well (ie unsafe) and if you have one it is likely you have a TT earthing arrangement (through an earth rod) so if it is an ELCB it may be time to replace it with an RCD.
(a lot of ifs and buts in there but hopefully you see why it would be good to post a picture)
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