Just fitted 2 new batteries so thought I would hook up to mains to make sure they were fully charged. After having a good look around at things I noticed a sticker on the trip switch thingy which said to press "test" button every three months, having rarely had to touch this thing and it being in the wardrobe and out of sight/ mind, so I pressed it switched all the trip switches and mains on/off and back on again, but nothing came back on, checked all fuses I could find all ok , I'm now scratching my head and not knowing what to try next. Any ideas anyone? The unit is a Swift Gazelle Motorhome. Thanks for any Ideas. Tony
Sounds like the trip itself has gone wonky, possibly through lack of use....or there may be a leak to earth from a damp plug (the mains in can suffer).
Did you switch off the feed to the van first, before re-setting?
The trip switch thingy is the RCD(residual current device). It may sound silly but presumably you reset it after you tripped it and if so did it stay latched in the on position?
Thanks to all who gave advice, Just had a friendly retired electrician neighbor who diagnosed a kaput RCD it just won't latch back on, so been out and ordered a new one, "OUCH" £72 +VAT but at least the neighbor will fit it for me for nowt. So all being well that's problem solved.
So thanks again for all the help and advice given.
Thanks Andy Maybe you are right but this is the exact replacement part for the original which fits into the box which houses RCD. Made by Hagar. If I was an electrician maybe I could have adapted a cheaper version, but seeing as its a safety device I think I will just bite the bullet.
Thanks anyway. Tone
Agreed there, its never good to search around for cheapest possible Chinese made product when it comes to mains electrical bits. Stick with well known makes.
I think you will find that a lot of electrical products are made in China even Hager.
http://cnkangling.en.alibaba.com/product/847055099-200724606/HAGER_MCB_hymag_circuit_breaker_double_pole_mcb.html
Chinese manufacture is no bad thing in itself, most well known European companies have product made there but it is made to correct spec. Its probably best avoiding very cheap unbranded electrical switches etc though.
As a control panel builder, I use hundreds of components made by Chint, they are one of the largest manufacturers of electrical control gear in the world. I also use IMO, (made in China) Eaton (made in China), You get the picture
Thanks everyone wish I had waited for these responses before going out and buying, would have saved some money. I had plenty of time to source any part needed since I won't be needing to hook up for a few weeks.
Cheers Tone
Boppintone, it sounds like you don't check your home consumer unit either. That should have a test button too which should be regularly checked unless its a really ancient (and potentially considerably less safe) unit.
You are right there Freeatlast I don't and no it doesn't have one! However I don't think its that ancient if i remember right it was renewed when i moved in here and that is only 8 years ago. surely I don't need a new one yet. Is this another Health & Safety edict. Also what exactly does this test button test?
Regards Tone
The test button proves that the RCD is operating properly at the right amount of leakage current.It tests itself nothing else.
An RCD is there to minimise the effect of an electric shock on a human to a level which is considered non life threatening.
If you had an appliance with a fault to earth it will detect low levels of current and trip the system in a very short time.
I'm surprised that your consumer unit doesn't have one if it is only 8 yrs old, they have been standard for a lot longer than that.
An RCD is the one thing that could save your life, fuses/MCBs offer little or no protection from a fatal shock.
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Topic: 240 v electrics
