RCD unit

[Meoncoast]

Has anyone had issue with faulty RCD unit on their t5.
Over last 6 months we have had to switch it on and off several times to get the plug into work,now getting more difficult to get power switched on and now the test button not working and quiet a crackle from the unit when power plugged and switch to on works so I guess it is broken. Have stopped using before the van catches fire!!! battery changing fine from engine.

Has anyone had unit break, had it replaced if so how difficult was it for replacement.

 

[Loz]

It's really easy to get to as the panel it's mounted into is only held in place with mounting tape.

 

[sidepod]

Crackling suggests loose connections. Remove the panel and check the terminations are tight.
Generally it's not something that fails.

Obvs make sure it's not connected to the mains when you do this, but then you knew that........didn't you?

 

[Meoncoast]

didn't you?

do now just kidding

 

[bigmac77]

Have you checked each end of your hookup lead? Might be a loose connection there.

 

[Meoncoast]

Have you checked each end of your hookup lead? Might be a loose connection there.

yes ta even replaced leads.

 

[Meoncoast]

Had a look behind RCD all seems wires seem ck

Fault,

• hook up sometimes works some times not
• turning on and off a couple of times the RCD unit = works sometimes (more often not now)
• sometimes the plug in logo on the front unit flashes between the plug and battery logo end up with battery or plug
• sometimes when power working crackle from near RCD
• when plug in working now turns off
• battery charger seems to work fine charging with engine running,

Any thoughts where the fault could be ?
wonder if better to go to a van centre or a specialist motor home repair centre and be our only drive can't work with van in garage for a coupe of weeks.

 

[rich-s]

If you have got as far as being able to check the terminals are tight then you have almost done the job of swapping the RCD. They are not expensive and just have a sprung catch that you release with a flat blade screwdriver. That would be my starting point. They do fail from time to time. We do sell them in our shop, although I can't remember if they are identical to the Cali one, but will check. You should be able to pick one up from any electrical factor.

**Edit - Just checked my Cali and the rating is 10ma. The ones I sell are 30ma so not the same. Also might not be so easy to source, but I'm sure not difficult to swap. Actually isn't that an rcbo rather than a rcd?**

 

[sidepod]

Exactly. It's a RCBO not an RCD.

You have to locate this fault systematically. It's beginning to sound as if the fault lies between the hook up unit and the RCD unit.

You need to gain access to this short section of wiring and check it, not just visibly but using a megger to carry out an insulation test and check the terminations are secure.
Any half decent domestic spark will do this for you.

 

[larrylamb]

Sounds like an RCBO area fault, you say you have had a look behind the rcbo unit and it looks ok, can you see the connections? As Sidepod says, work systematically. A voltage tester can be used to check supply up to and through the rcbo unit. The fault could be on the neutral conductor not just the live. When you lose the plug logo you need to see if power is going in and out of the unit. If you are not confident to work safely on this ( it is mains voltage ) please use an electrician.

 

[Loz]

Are you just using the plug symbol as your test or do you have something plugged into the mains socket by the sink at the same time?
Because if you lose the plug symbol but the socket by the sink is still working it is probably the inverter/charger plug that is loose and crackling.

 

[Meoncoast]

Are you just using the plug symbol as your test or do you have something plugged into the mains socket by the sink at the same time?

night light pluged into the sink socket not working

 

[Meoncoast]

please use an electrician.

looks like the way I will be going thanks

 

[Loz]

night light pluged into the sink socket not working

Great, just checking..
So you need to follow Larrylamb's advise and check for continuity on both the live and neutral conductors.

 

[larrylamb]

looks like the way I will be going thanks

I would gladly have a look at it but I presume you are in Southampton at the moment? I'm near sunny Blackpool.

 

[Loz]

I'm a bit closer but still 2 hours away..

 

[Meoncoast]

I would gladly have a look at it but I presume you are in Southampton at the moment? I'm near sunny Blackpool.

thanks but we are down by Southampton


thanks all for advise