USB socket damaged by RCD testing

[AndyL]

Has anyone else had a problem with the new USB sockets fitted to socket outlets?
Whilst carrying out an EICR all was fine until I did the 5x RCD test, there was a "pop" from the socket and the USB, which had been working was no longer working.

 

[Lucien Nunes]

RCD tests don't involve extreme currents or voltages so I think it more likely that it failed as a result of the RCD contacts opening than the test conditions themselves, which means it was going to fail anyway. I have no personal experience of them but tests show that many brands of USB-equipped sockets outlets are poorly made and/or non-compliant. http://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/mediafile/100145109/web_usb-article-from-so32.pdf

 

[Skimpy Wan]

Not had any issues with an RCD test only IR testing when the customer failed to advise us they had some USB sockets fitted underneath an island work top.

Can you say who the manufacturer was (so I can stay clear of them)?

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Can understand there being a problem with IR testing a USB socket.
Can't see how there should be a problem with an RCD test.
Where did you conduct the RCD test, at the USB socket, or at the board, or another socket?

 

[shanky887614]

it will be a cheap nasty socket. there is no standard for the usb transformers.

it took years for 80plus psu to become common so it will be a while before the market shifts to better transformers.

 

[AndyL]

Thanks for the replies guys, I could understand and probably expect a problem when doing IR.Was apparently a screwfix socket so no real surprise with the "quality" or lack of!!
Just seemed to much of a coincidence that it blew at exact time of RCD testing.
For information, I was testing at socket close to CU on the longe circuit, the usb was on the kitchen circuit

 

[Skimpy Wan]

Thanks for the replies guys, I could understand and probably expect a problem when doing IR.Was apparently a screwfix socket so no real surprise with the "quality" or lack of!!
Just seemed to much of a coincidence that it blew at exact time of RCD testing.
For information, I was testing at socket close to CU on the longe circuit, the usb was on the kitchen circuit

Forgive me for even asking Andy (I'm only asking so we can possible learn from this situation).

When you did the RCD test, at another socket on the same ring final circuit, was the MFT set to the correct mA rating (i.e. 30mA)? If so, then I'd be returning the socket to Screwfix asking for a refund and sourcing another manufacturer.

Out of interest, was it a LAP twin socket? I have two on the wall next to me right now and I'll be doing a EICR here in the next couple of weeks, so I don't want to blow these. Was it merely the USB sockets that went down or did it also, somehow, damage the 13A socket outlet?

 

[AndyL]

Forgive me for even asking Andy (I'm only asking so we can possible learn from this situation).

When you did the RCD test, at another socket on the same ring final circuit, was the MFT set to the correct mA rating (i.e. 30mA)? If so, then I'd be returning the socket to Screwfix asking for a refund and sourcing another manufacturer.

Out of interest, was it a LAP twin socket? I have two on the wall next to me right now and I'll be doing a EICR here in the next couple of weeks, so I don't want to blow these. Was it merely the USB sockets that went down or did it also, somehow, damage the 13A socket outlet?

Yes definitely on the right setting, socket was LAP ( I believe) , it was an EICR so I had not fitted the socket myself so not returning to suppliers. 13A sockets both working, but both USB's of that socket no signs of life. USB's on other sockets seem to be fine

 

[Skimpy Wan]

Thanks for the prompt response.

Will need to take note of this in the future and maybe disconnect the sockets when conducting anything other than a visual inspection .... good quality accessories and safe (My Arse!!)

 

[DPG]

Still find it hard to believe the RCD test actually blew the socket, bearing in mind how it performs the test. Daz

 

[AndyL]

Still find it hard to believe the RCD test actually blew the socket, bearing in mind how it performs the test. Daz

Me too, which is why I asked if anyone else has had similar problems. Just seemed too much of a coincidence that it blew at that exact moment

 

[Skimpy Wan]

Out of interest, does anyone use a USB meter (there are several available on the market that advise of download speed and mA's)? If so, which ones have you got?

 

[shanky887614]

Out of interest, does anyone use a USB meter (there are several available on the market that advise of download speed and mA's)? If so, which ones have you got?

dont bother, there is no point testing a usb port.

it will simply be a 5v transformer. if you want to check what it should output measure between the data pins and ground and then google it and the spec will tell you the max output