Voltage dropping in a domestic house as you use more appliances ?

[Bern1e]

Hi folks!
Any answers on this problem?
I attended site and was told various items of equipment caused the rcd to trip randomly,after checking the Ze and voltage I tested the rcd which wouldn't trip x1 or x5.
I then deemed this faulty and replaced the rcd only to find this also did not trip.
I then decided my tester might not be working so i used another and the same problem occurred,by this point I am pulling my hair out.
After testing the supply voltage I noticed that when more appliances were plugged in the voltage decreased.
It was also noted the rcd would test on the incoming supply cables end but not the busbar side.
I m now deciding t become a brick layer !!!!!!!!
Help please me thinks uk power networks problem and loose neutral there endis the issue.

 

[Marvo]

What voltage did you initially get when you tested without load? How low did the voltage drop when load was applied? Did the voltage drop below the acceptable minimum?

 

[Darkwood]

Ensure when you are running your bricks you have set a guide line up to keep your run level, use a good cement mixture and don't rush it until you have gained the expertise of a well seasoned brickie... hope that helps

 

[Bern1e]

242 volts first and after appliances 190 volts

 

[Bern1e]

Lol many thanks.

 

[R G]

Was this site in a rural location possibly at or near the end of an overhead supply , I have seen a very similar situation where I live especially when off peak supplies are switched in. if this is what your finding then yes its UK power networks issue , what is the lowest reading your getting ...

 

[R G]

just seen the voltage , check all terminations and if no different , contact supplier

 

[Octopus]

Were you testing the RCD with ALL the loads switched off at the MCB's?

30mA
100mA
dual board
Upfront RCD?

 

[Bern1e]

190 ish full load

 

[Plonker 3]

Some RCDs are not meant to be tested directly on the terminals, make up a short test lead and try again with that.

 

[Bern1e]

yes no load direct under rcd

 

[Bern1e]

ok thanks

 

[Bern1e]

mmm it trips incoming side tho

 

[UKMeterman]

If you got 190V and there is no sign of buring anywhere call the power company. Before you do call them measure across the incoming terminals of the CU, and check it is all ok.

 

[Marvo]

Maybe also measure a neutral-earth voltage when it's under load and the voltage drops and take your measurements at the first available point in the premises. This might help indicate a supplier neutral issue.

 

[Bern1e]

Yes 16th edition board split load 30ma rcd no outgoing neutral or phase.

 

[Bern1e]

Tncs so neutral and earth combined.

 

[R G]

What do you mean trips incoming side ??

 

[Bern1e]

yep me to thinks call them thanks for your help

 

[Octopus]

Yes 16th edition board split load 30ma rcd no outgoing neutral or phase.

wtf???