prelude1980
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| posted on 22/4/09 at 07:09 PM |
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RCD Advice
I have a hedge trimmer with a 2 core cable (no earth). i cut thru the cable but the rcd didn't trip.
Is it just bust or not suitable?
It has a test button and that bit seems to work
Advice please before i electrocute myself
Speed has never killed anyone. Suddenly becoming stationary... that's what
gets you.
https://www.topcashback.co.uk/ref/dodd1980
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nitram38
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| posted on 22/4/09 at 07:32 PM |
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It will only operate if the current takes a different path than through the Live and neutral.
A rcd monitors the current in Live and neutral and detects an imbalance because the current in the live must be the same value as the neutral except
when it escapes somewhere (usually to earth).
Your rcd should switch off if there is a 30mA imbalance.
If you press the test button, does it work?
If so, you must have sliced through the cable without shorting anything to earth.
As long as it works on the test button, then carry on using it.
By the way, I am an Electrician!
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JoelP
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| posted on 22/4/09 at 07:43 PM |
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i suppose that, being unearthed, when the blade shorted live and neutral, it would quickly trip the mcb from overcurrent rather than the rcd, which
would have to wait til the cut end fell onto something earthed - the plastic handle would insulated the blade from both you and earth.
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dave r
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 posted on 22/4/09 at 07:44 PM |
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wot he said
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prelude1980
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| posted on 22/4/09 at 07:52 PM |
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thanks for the info. when i press the test button it does trip off,
Must have been a fluke it didn't short then
Speed has never killed anyone. Suddenly becoming stationary... that's what
gets you.
https://www.topcashback.co.uk/ref/dodd1980
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nitram38
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| posted on 22/4/09 at 09:07 PM |
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Your trimmer should have a symbol of a square inside another square.
This means that it is double insulated and does not require an earth.
30mA is the lowest current that the human body can withstand (for a very short period) so this is why your rcd is set at this level.
Just watch out where you cut next time!!!!! 
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Danozeman
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| posted on 23/4/09 at 08:29 AM |
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I did the same thing. Cutting the hede let go of the button as i swung the trimmer away from the hedge straight through the cable.
Worried me too as the rcd didnt go.
Dan
Built the purple peril!! Let the modifications begin!!
http://www.eastangliankitcars.co.uk
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