RCD Question

BertieUK

In our lounge we have two wall lights each with two bulbs, when any of the bulbs pops the RCD trips on that particular circuit.

At first when we moved in we thought that perhaps it was the light fittings to blame, but since then we have replaced them and the RCD still trips.

Is it just that the RCD is highy sensitive?

malc_b

BertieUK wrote: »

In our lounge we have two wall lights each with two bulbs, when any of the bulbs pops the RCD trips on that particular circuit.

At first when we moved in we thought that perhaps it was the light fittings to blame, but since then we have replaced them and the RCD still trips.

Is it just that the RCD is highy sensitive?

Since you say RCD on that particular circuit I think you are confusing MCB (miniature circuit beaker aka electronic fuse) with RCD (Residual Current Detector). RCDs have a little push to test button. It is possible to have a consumer unit (aka fuse box) where each circuit has a combined MCB + RCD (RCBO) but the more usual is 1 or 2 RCDs with lots of MCBs.

Any RCD or RCBO will have a little push to test button. If it doesn't it is an MCB.

When bulbs, old style that is, fail there is a surge in current. That often can trip the MCB and it is a large current. If it is just some bulbs that trip then they are probable larger wattage or nearer the consumer unit, or maybe a type of bulb that fails with larger currents that other types.

BertieUK

malc_b wrote: »

Since you say RCD on that particular circuit I think you are confusing MCB (miniature circuit beaker aka electronic fuse) with RCD (Residual Current Detector). RCDs have a little push to test button. It is possible to have a consumer unit (aka fuse box) where each circuit has a combined MCB + RCD (RCBO) but the more usual is 1 or 2 RCDs with lots of MCBs.

Any RCD or RCBO will have a little push to test button. If it doesn't it is an MCB.

When bulbs, old style that is, fail there is a surge in current. That often can trip the MCB and it is a large current. If it is just some bulbs that trip then they are probable larger wattage or nearer the consumer unit, or maybe a type of bulb that fails with larger currents that other types.

Ok thank's for this information, to this Old Codger its called a Fuse Box;) these abbreviations are a bit confusing to understand. So we have a MCB fitted so that could stand for Master Circuit Breaker...

The bulbs are the old type 40w Candle Bulbs as the glass shape does not look right with the new low voltage bulbs fitted.

The Consumer unit fitted is by Contactum and when the circuit is broken the switch goes into the off position. The switch has 9032B label on it.

I think that you are correct in saying that it is a surge in current that does it. Everything works fine in the property it was just concerning me as to why it happened.

We had electrical work done last year and the electrician worked on the Consumer Unit to fit a Electrical Shower supply to it so I can only presume that the unit is in good order.

Thanks for your help:).

macman

Mini Circuit Breaker.
If it trips when a bulb blows, it's doing it's job.

BertieUK

macman wrote: »

Mini Circuit Breaker.
If it trips when a bulb blows, it's doing it's job.

Thank's for the reassurance as I never want to presume anything about Electrics just treat it with the greatest respect. Thank's all.:)