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Loss of neutral

I have just been involved in a situation where temporary loss of neutral on a TNCS system caused thousands of pounds worth of damage. It seems this loss of neutral situation, either within or outside the installation, is occurring more frequently. SPDs are now commonly fitted but at DBS  and generally with a Up in the order of 860v, so giving no protection on loss of neutral in a three-phase and neutral system. Cost benefit analysis across the national spectrum might not support a compulsion but is it time designers should be raising the issue with clients and at least offering a solution. On the other hand, is there a packaged solution?
Parents
  • I have fitted capacitors N-E after a 4 pole RCD, so that if the NE voltage rises, the RCD sees the N-E current and fires and breaks everything but the CPC.

    In equipment in containers that may be  running from 'power of opportunity' with rather doubtful Zs, mains polarity and so on,  this also guards against the accidental swapping of one phase and the neutral as well, though on UK mains under and over-voltage drop out is a good thing to sense.

    Mike.
Reply
  • I have fitted capacitors N-E after a 4 pole RCD, so that if the NE voltage rises, the RCD sees the N-E current and fires and breaks everything but the CPC.

    In equipment in containers that may be  running from 'power of opportunity' with rather doubtful Zs, mains polarity and so on,  this also guards against the accidental swapping of one phase and the neutral as well, though on UK mains under and over-voltage drop out is a good thing to sense.

    Mike.
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