Multimeter tripping rcd...

[Newbie90]

Hi all,

I have a Fluke digital multimeter and whilst testing live to earth on a controller, it tripped the rcd.

Can anyone explain why?

Is it like the fluke t120 voltage indicators where you have to test between live and neutral for 5 secs beforehand?

Thanks

 

[grantr37]

if you use a manual ranging multimeter set on current it will do this, or the unfused leads would break...

 

[odawire]

Should be a low current test, if it is and its still tripping try reversing the polarity of the test, ie live down earth and earth down live, some of the new rcds have this problem and reversing the polarity seems to solve it, also make sure there are no loads on the circuit

 

[telectrix]

i would hope that you were measuring voltage, not current. it would seem that the meter is drawing sufficient current to trip the RCD.

 

[Deleted member 72666]

If your Fluke has the LoZ feature (low impedance)on voltage tests then make sure that it is turned off for this test as this could be causing the tripping of the RCD.

 

[GLENNSPARK]

i would hope that you were measuring voltage, not current. it would seem that the meter is drawing sufficient current to trip the RCD.

if it was current he was measuring....i`d like to know who told him it was OK to start connecting ammeters in parallell....

 

[DPG]

Can't believe a digital multimeter would draw enough current to trip an RCD, my money's on the 'using it as an ammeter' theory. Daz

 

[mechelec]

When you say it has to be held on live to neutral for 5 seconds is that for the continuity buzzer to work. I had an alphatec that would trip rcds If you tested on live to earth before live to neutral as charging the internal capacitor that powered the buzzer drew enough current to trip most rcds. Useless it was and had a very short spell in my toolbox.

 

[power ranger]

Can't believe a digital multimeter would draw enough current to trip an RCD, my money's on the 'using it as an ammeter' theory. Daz

Yes my fluke multimeter 117 has LoZ function to prevent phantom voltages from being displayed, I think I might try it tomorrow to see if it trips the rcd on L-E test.