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Re: hook up problems with RCD tripping

Posted: 29 Apr 2011, 10:49
by Allanw
1664 wrote: Can't really comment on 10mA ones as they are pretty rare (in my experience); probably reserved for especially sensitive installations/environments such as operating theatres and the like, at a guess.....

Dunno about the UK, but here in NZ, ALL patient treatment areas require 10mA RCD's. We don't have any problems with them tripping in my hospital, but it's quite different to a camper!

Are you required to have electrical safety tests on your campers over there? We have to have a electrical warrant of fitness every 4 years here (well... I say have to, but no camping grounds check them like they should!)

30mA is sufficient where there is no expected skin breakage, the 10mA gives extra protection when electrical items can contact internal parts of the body. 30mA makes more sense in a camper, as there may be some slight leakage with damp connectors etc - I would suggest that was at least part of the original problem.

Re: hook up problems with RCD tripping

Posted: 29 Apr 2011, 11:02
by 1664
I don't have much to do with hospitals so that was just a guess. All the campers I've seen close up have 30mA as standard - haven't looked that close to the Westy set up before. As far as I know it's recommended that the camper electrics (and gas) are checked periodically but nobody threatens to cut your balls off if you don't........

Re: hook up problems with RCD tripping

Posted: 29 Apr 2011, 17:40
by janieh
You're right - it obviously is safe as it's 10mA rather than the 100 mentioned. However, it wasn't the sparky that said that, it was the guy at City Electrics when we went to get a replacement. As far as I'm aware the original sparky we had looking at it tested all the wiring and the appliances, but not the RCD.

Anyway, it all seems good now! maybe the problem was that at 10mA it was just too sensitive? I don't know, as long as it all works I'm going to be a happy bunny on our next trip!

cheers