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Tripping RCD after smart meter install

Stewart Mason
I got called to a property today. The RCD had started tripping after a smart meter was installed. The insulation resistance between line and cpc was over 300 Mohm on all circuits. The RCD was an MEM unit in a memera 2000 consumer unit.


Whilst at the property the RCD did not trip. I did a google search and one result suggested the RF from the smart meters transceiver was upsetting the RCD. When the smart meter was first energised I guess it starts communicating with the supplier causing said RF.


We have had 3 properties now all with MEM RCD's which have started tripping after smart meters have been installed, normally in the early hours of the day.


Just wondering if anyone else has experienced of this issue?
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  • 0

    MHRestorations:

    It looks to me that the fault applies to MEMERA2000 RCDs because they pre-date the current EMC requirements, and smart meters are built down to a price.


    I am not in the collander wearing brigade, but I have printed a notice to any potential smart meter fitters to call me FIRST, and affixed it to the current meter, and service head, along with my phone number. They will be told in no uncertain terms NOT to fit one, as they're not reliable. (I know nothing about dangers, not having investigated this, but unreliability is proven. They have electronics in, and that fails).


    Traditional electromechanical all the way baby!




    Yep I agree, the old solid clunky electro-mechanical stuff is more reliable. My 1979 electricity meter is still working fine after all these years, although I have had a recent letter saying that replacement is due.


    All of the old Voltage or current operated earth leakage circuit breakers that I have removed from older installations have still worked perfectly even after 40 years. Examples are the English made Crabtree L60 R.C.D. which is a BIG beast. Or the Crabtree E 60 V.O.E.L.C.B. built like a tank. Just electro-mechanical, no electronics and very reliable as a device.


    Yet I have come across many modern R.C.D.s that have failed in service, that won't trip off on test button use, or even on R.C.D. tester. One new R.C.B.O. blew up after being fitted from new when the test button was pressed in.


    Z.

Reply
  • 0

    MHRestorations:

    It looks to me that the fault applies to MEMERA2000 RCDs because they pre-date the current EMC requirements, and smart meters are built down to a price.


    I am not in the collander wearing brigade, but I have printed a notice to any potential smart meter fitters to call me FIRST, and affixed it to the current meter, and service head, along with my phone number. They will be told in no uncertain terms NOT to fit one, as they're not reliable. (I know nothing about dangers, not having investigated this, but unreliability is proven. They have electronics in, and that fails).


    Traditional electromechanical all the way baby!




    Yep I agree, the old solid clunky electro-mechanical stuff is more reliable. My 1979 electricity meter is still working fine after all these years, although I have had a recent letter saying that replacement is due.


    All of the old Voltage or current operated earth leakage circuit breakers that I have removed from older installations have still worked perfectly even after 40 years. Examples are the English made Crabtree L60 R.C.D. which is a BIG beast. Or the Crabtree E 60 V.O.E.L.C.B. built like a tank. Just electro-mechanical, no electronics and very reliable as a device.


    Yet I have come across many modern R.C.D.s that have failed in service, that won't trip off on test button use, or even on R.C.D. tester. One new R.C.B.O. blew up after being fitted from new when the test button was pressed in.


    Z.

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