Should an RCD trip when then circuit breaker is pulled?

[DominicJ]

I have the older type opf consumer unit, it still has an RCD, but the mini circuit breakers are the pull out cartridge types, with a button disconnect as well.
Thats the worst explanation ever.

Anyway, I was reattaching a security light the wind had had its way with, so, I pulled the cartridge and put it in my pocket (on the unlikely chance someone could plug it back in if its at the unit.) When taping up the wires, some of them obviously made a contact, and this tripped the RCD back at the consumer unit.

Is this normal? Its my understanding that there shouldnt be any current, residual or otherwise of the breaker has been pulled.

Its quite likely I'm wrong, but thats also sort of something I'd want a proffessional to look at if I'm not.

 

[Chri5]

An rcd will see a neutral- earth fault and will pop even if you have disconnected the live part on the circuit.

As you say this would happen if the 'dead' wires touched per your experience. At least it proves the rcd is doing it's job !

 

[M4]

But where is the 30mA coming from? Thanks

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Other circuits.

All of the neutrals for the circuits on that RCD are connected together, so connecting any one to earth connects them all to earth.

 

[holmslaw]

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[Chri5]

Only way to fully isolate a circuit on an rcd bar is to remove the neutral(s) from the neutral bar in addition to isolating the live.

 

[bernardgreen]

Hopefully this diagram may explain the reason an RCD trips on an earth - neutral fault even when the circuit is isolated by turning off the MCB to the circuit where the fault is.

View media item 29443

 

[DominicJ]

Erm, can my apparently not disconnected neutral still shock me then?
Should I be pulling all the breakers before touching any circuits?

 

[holmslaw]

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