Electroboom Style ELCB Test & (Hager) Failure - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 25, 2025, 04:00:17 am
content: One of the Hager ELCB's has failed in my switchbox. Let's test it Electroboom Style

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 01, 2025, 08:59:13 am
content: Well this is weird.The new Hager RCD (ADC916T) just tripped!The test button does however work.The old Hager (ADC316T) test button didn't work.So it seems that eithera) A heck of coincidence that the old RCD's test button fails (i.e. a genuine internal fault) AND we have an actual earth leakage fault on the radial circuit somewhere.b) We have some sort of earth lekage or other fault on the radial circuit that caused the old RCD test button to fail.Interesting....Unfortunately it seems long period intermittent, so could be very hard to track down what's actually at fault here.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 01, 2025, 09:14:28 am
content: Just measured the neural-earth voltage on that radial and I get 0.2VAC, that's way under the spec which I think is 2V?But I also measure the same on the other radials.And it just tripped again after another 10 minutes. Hasn't tripped since it was installed.I might have to try a big load on it and see if that triggers it.

author: temperance
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2025, 10:02:27 am
content: What is a "2π circuit"?

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2025, 01:50:40 pm
content: Have you measured the actual leakage current on that circuit with a clamp meter ?RCD trips are usually faulty appliances or water, though dodgy neutral feed can sometimes trip some types

author: themadhippy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2025, 02:23:11 pm
content: Is it a coincidence that electroboom was spotted in sydney and daves rcbo no longer works?

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2025, 03:46:59 pm
content: What loads were on that circuit when it tripped ?

author: Xena E
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2025, 03:58:34 pm
content: Could be something like a refrigeration compressor, don't want that or the beers will get warm.Could also be a neutral fault?May be a case of having to turn everything off on the circuit, then back on one by one, ball ache but...The two faults may have been there for a while.X

author: David_AVD
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2025, 08:58:31 pm
content: The AD310T, AD316T, AD320T & AD325T were subject to a recall, but not sure what the failure mode was.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 01, 2025, 11:57:14 pm
content: Quote from: Xena E on June 01, 2025, 03:58:34 pmSame neutral voltage drop as the other circuits.QuoteTried that before, it seems intermittent, could take months to systematically test every item for say a week. And even then I might not find it.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 01, 2025, 11:58:05 pm
content: Quote from: David_AVD on June 01, 2025, 08:58:31 pmIn this case it was replaced with an ADC916T, and a week later, same earth leakage trip.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 01, 2025, 11:59:19 pm
content: Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on June 01, 2025, 03:46:59 pmNormal office stuff, two bedrooms, plus kitchen.Seems to be no correlation with using any kitchen appliances though.

author: themadhippy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2025, 12:35:51 am
content: Time to get your megger out ,join live and neutral together and check the ir to the earth with 1000v shoved up it

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 02, 2025, 12:39:21 am
content: Quote from: themadhippy on June 02, 2025, 12:35:51 amWe have a MEN system, the neutral is tried to the earth at the fuse box.

author: themadhippy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2025, 01:04:08 am
content: Quoteshoulda explained it better,disconnect the circuit from the fuseboard first and measure between the L+N wires and the earth wire of the circuit.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2025, 08:43:40 am
content: Surely you have a clamp meter or two amongst your extensive meter collection - measure over the L+N of the circuit coming out of the RCD to see the actual leakage current as you turn various loads on & off. Even better if you can leave it logging continuously.The sporadic nature could simply be that it's on the edge of tripping and a small change tips it over - maybe even changes in supply voltage.Gradual insulation breakdown in heating elements, especially ovens, kettles, washing machines etc. is a common problem due to thermal cycling.Any correlation with rain?

author: Xena E
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2025, 10:22:10 am
content: Failing mains filter is a common one.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 02, 2025, 11:16:07 pm
content: Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on June 02, 2025, 08:43:40 amYeah, two person job with walkie talkies though. Takes some effort.Probably easier to rig up a custom cord to plug all the stuff into. Poor mans PAT tester.QuoteCould have been the first time it tripped, heavy rain for a week. But it's been dry after the replacement.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2025, 07:56:08 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on June 02, 2025, 11:16:07 pmEven a single reading of the nominal leakage could be useful.