Fault Finding

[Hulmey]

Hi,

Im looking for some useful tips on fault finding. I have a installation resistance reading of a dead short between neutral and earth on a ringmain. My usual method would be to split the ring mid point,test which leg has fault on then work back by taken sockets off and testing each leg.I also do a visual first with the likes of pictures above sockets etc. So im wondering if anyone has come across a better/quicker method of finding such faults. Any useful tips would be great thanks!

 

[Spark123]

Unplug everything and disconnect all current using equipment first.
Half split is usually a good start, using a low resistance ohm meter will also help you by saying if you are getting nearer or further away from the fault. Just keeps splitting it down until you find the faulty leg, or the wire trapped in the back of the socket etc.

 

[Hulmey]

Didnt think about spliting the ring again,thanks.

 

[RF Lighting]

Where did you measure the 'short'?

Was the main switch in your consumer unit switched off?

 

[Taylortwocities]

Where did you measure the 'short'?

Was the main switch in your consumer unit switched off?

And with the conductors of the ring completely disconnected from the consumer unit?
Don't forget that neutral and earth are connected together on the supply side in many installations.

 

[Hulmey]

I did a complete IR test first then located the fault to the ringmain.I put neutrals in one connector block and earths in another.

 

[Hulmey]

..and yes the installation was isolated. Main switch off.