Westy RCD

[ninja.turtle007]

An RCD with nothing connected to the load side shouldn't trip should it?

[dearjohn]

Very bad condensation, of some liquid spilt onto it? Of a little person pressing the test button?
Nigel in Cavan

[ninja.turtle007]

As soon as power is turned on it trips. Test mech doesn't work, so I would imagine it needs replacing. Any idea where I can get one from?

[1664]

As soon as power is turned on it trips. Test mech doesn't work, so I would imagine it needs replacing. Any idea where I can get one from?

The test mechanism won't work unless it's switched on - in which case it's never going to unless you can stop it tripping as soon as the power is applied. I suppose it might be condensation but I've never known that to occur and I've tested RCD's in some pretty damp/wet environments. It's probably knackered - but there is no harm in you removing it, leaving it on a radiator for a couple of days, refitting and trying again. Check the test button is releasing properly after it's been pressed

The units are common as muck (that does not mean cheap) and an electrical wholesaler will have loads, or DIY places such as Wickes, Homebase etc.

[ninja.turtle007]

Thanks.

[1664]

Of course when I say they're 'common as muck' you have a westfalia which might just mean you have to search heaven and earth to find one that fits................

[Cafnod]

Hi
Your rcd may be tripping because its u/s OR because something connected to the other end of the consumer unit has a dead short. When you say nothing is connected are there no wires after the RCD or have you tripped the two MCB's? Anything could be causing the short if there are wires from a shot battery charger to a damaged piece of cable. If you disconnect any outgoing wires and then test again it might help.
They do become u/s, I had to replace one on one of my boats about two years back. Take a pic of the wiring to get it back right, remove the wires and it should slide off of the din rail on the consumer unit, get another one, ebay is a reasonable source, I think they are about fifteen pounds for one of about a 20 amp rating as your only putting 16 amps into the van thats all it needs.
HTH
Richard
ALWAYS TEST YOUR RCD EVERYTIME YOU HOOK UP AND TRIP IT MANUALLY BEFORE PLUGGING THE VAN IN