Kango/breaker keeps tripping out

longwalks1

i borrowed a Bauker kango/breaker from a friend, 240v. Used it for about 10 minutes light work (a soft cement base under a patio, no concrete) and then it tripped out the circuit it was plugged into.  Reset it, tripped it again. Tried to again and no joy. It’s not very old, and the motor case on it isn’t hot at all, any ideas please?

hoping it hasn’t died on me already! 

greyteam1959

Check for loose wires in the plug ??
If you are using an extension cable is it rated high enough ??
Is the extension cable unreeled when you are using the item ??

longwalks1

Thanks greyteam, will check the extension lead, was a normal 10m house one on a reel.  Wasnt full unwound, maybe half unwound.

I did notice the oil level in the sight glass was empty, so topped it up last night late but havent had a chance to try it yet

greyteam1959

Has the extension reel got a cut out button on it ??
Some do.

Jackmydad

Could be the type of MCB fitted to the CU.
The ones normally fitted aren't rated for start up on heavier motor loads. 
With a "Kango" you tend to switch it on and off a lot, so that's what may be activating the MCB.
 

FreeBear

Jackmydad said:

Could be the type of MCB fitted to the CU.
The ones normally fitted aren't rated for start up on heavier motor loads. 
With a "Kango" you tend to switch it on and off a lot, so that's what may be activating the MCB.
 

Have a circular saw that does this - Plugging the extension lead in to the socket on the oven circuit fixes that.

longwalks1

Thanks all. Panic over. Topped it up with oil, unwound the extension lead fully and plugged it into the cooker socket and it’s working fine again 
now just waiting for the damn rain to stop...

Risteard

FreeBear said:

Jackmydad said:

Could be the type of MCB fitted to the CU.
The ones normally fitted aren't rated for start up on heavier motor loads. 
With a "Kango" you tend to switch it on and off a lot, so that's what may be activating the MCB.
 

Have a circular saw that does this - Plugging the extension lead in to the socket on the oven circuit fixes that.

He's referring to the fact that circuit breakers to BS EN 60898 (and RCBOs to BS EN 61009) have an overcurrent characteristic - or "curve" - which is either B, C or D. A Type D allows for greater inrush currents (e.g. when a transformer switches on), and a Type C is greater than a Type B e.g. with inductive loads.

However it is imperative that verification takes place to ensure that disconnection times will still be met. These cannot simply be swapped out. It is essential that a qualified and competent Electrician do this. Generally speaking only Type Bs are necessary for domestic dwellings, unless there are welders or the like in operation.