RCCB

Viscount

Viscount

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I've recently rewired the 240VAC on my boat and fitted an RCCB (Residual Current Circuit Breaker) to supply the 240VAC outlets (the boat's own panel is supplied before the RCCB to allow isolation in the event of a problem). I find however that the RCCB trips due to earth leakage even when nothing is plugged in. Has anyone else got any experience of using RCCB on boats?

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I renewed my 240 system recently, including fitting an RC Device, and have had no problems. (and I have two heaters tripping on and off all the time).

I'm puzzled as to why you seem to have fitted the device between the 'boat's own panel', and your outlets.

The RCD should be fitted before any take offs. I presume you have a battery charger that is taking current before the RCD. Perhaps this could be causing a problem. Failing that, maybe it's doing its job and detecting a failure of insulation/isolation. Sounds like a case for a prefessional inspection.


<hr width=100% size=1><font color=blue> <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.mboat.org>http://www.mboat.org</A></font color=blue>
 
If boat is very damp, could cause RCD to trip, if not, suggest removing outlets and see if it still trips. If it doesn't then trace wiring to outlets, disconnecting each one till problem found. If still trips, you will need to start isolating parts of the boats panel, till problem found, or get installlation checked professionally.
Other possibility is RCD faulty.

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Years ago when we started fitted ELCB's ( earth leakage breaker, before RCD's came out) we had problems with triping breakers, turned out to be reverse polarity indecater. The neon between neutral and earth gave a fault condition, and the breaker would trip.
Check if you have a similar problem.


Brian

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I agree with Martin
It should be fitted before the boats main panel as you want protection at point of entry,not further along the circuit, and if you are still unsure get a sparky to check it out,
Have a look at this site it may help <A target="_blank" HREF=http://adverc.co.uk>http://adverc.co.uk</A>

Julian

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Nothing unusual about using them on boats. They trip if they're faulty,if theres a leak, & as mentioned above, sometimes if polarity reversed. Naturally a 10mA one would trip with faults that wouldn't bother a "standard" 30mA unit.

Not sure what you mean by "the boat's own panel" ?

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I think it goes without saying that you have a fault, as there should be no problems using RCD onboard. Dont quite understand were or how you have wired it after the onboard panel, or indeed why you wished too. If you only want to protect one or two sockets why not use a "Plug in adaptor" RCD should be installed before any circuits therefore protecting all components, including the panel itself. I suggest you start again or preferably get a sparky to check it out as there are loads of possible reasons.

Regards - Ian

<hr width=100% size=1>Play the best game you can with the cards you've been dealt ! ! !
 
Problem seems to be sorted. Source was a fan heater which I disconnected but still the breaker tripped. Removing the mains from the breaker and reapplying seemed to allow it to reset OK. Recoupling the fan heater makes breaker trip. Surprised that the breaker needs mains to be disconnected before allowing reset however.

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