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TESTING AN RCBO AT A LIGHT SWITCH

Former Community Member
Former Community Member
I asked this question some time ago, but during the site changeover I somehow got locked out.

So I would like to ask again.


Is it acceptable, using a two-wire RCBO tester (Megger RCDT320), to test at a light switch using the phase and earth wires?

If it is acceptable are there any disadvantages?

Regards,

Mike.
  • 0
    If the circuit has high earth leakage then the R.C.B.O. would be tripping off at regular intervals so would no doubt be reported pronto. Why not just test the R.C.B.O. with the Test button? 643.8.


    Z.
  • Former Community Member
    0 Former Community Member

    Colin Jenkins:

    Hello Mike.


    In my experience and to the best of my knowledge, testing an RCBO from the remote end of a connected circuit is in order.  One possible issue to be aware of is if there are any earth leakage paths in the connected circuit.  If the connected circuit is in good condition, the RCBO should trip as expected on the various tests.  If the RCBO tests produce unexpected results, then the problem is most likely to be some level of earth leakage  in the connected circuit.  The best course of action then is to disconnect the circuit at the RCBO and repeat the RCBO tests, which should then be ok.  The requirement will then be to investigate and repair the circuit defect.


    Regards,


                      Colin Jenkins.




    Thankyou.

    One could say, in some respects then,that testing at the remote end of a circuit has the advantage of potentially  revealing other faults and thereby improving the integrity of the circuit.

    Regards,

    Mike.

  • 0
    Hello Mike.


    In my experience and to the best of my knowledge, testing an RCBO from the remote end of a connected circuit is in order.  One possible issue to be aware of is if there are any earth leakage paths in the connected circuit.  If the connected circuit is in good condition, the RCBO should trip as expected on the various tests.  If the RCBO tests produce unexpected results, then the problem is most likely to be some level of earth leakage  in the connected circuit.  The best course of action then is to disconnect the circuit at the RCBO and repeat the RCBO tests, which should then be ok.  The requirement will then be to investigate and repair the circuit defect.


    Regards,


                      Colin Jenkins.
  • 0

    ietmgreen:

    Is it acceptable, using a two-wire RCBO tester (Megger RCDT320), to test at a light switch using the phase and earth wires?

     




    It is recommended that all types of RCD's are tested at the consumer unit with no loads attached


    Jaymack

  • 0
    I suppose that 643.8 applies. I test R.C.D.s by plugging a tester into a 13 Amp socket outlets sometimes, so I can not think of a reason that you can't test an R.C.B.O. at a light switch as long as any loads that may be connected are disconnected that may affect the test results.


    Z.

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