RCCD circuit breaker

[lesliedrew953]

Hi everyone, the RCCD in the front locker of my Avondale Mayfly (1986 model) has 'lost' its label... see images attached

Can anyone 'identify' the make as I want to know how to test it.

Many Thanks,

Les

 

[RogerL]

AFAIK RCCDs can only be tested using specialist equipment - the time it takes to trip in milliseconds is important

 

[toad a caravan]

Can you not replace with a new one,I don't know it's age and I can't see the the value or capacity the breaker(s).a unit that had an RCD isolater and three MCB(fuses) would I think suffice.thats the set up I have in my 92 Abbey,good luck Gary

 

[ProfJohnL]

Its a very long time since I have seen circuit breaker like that, so my suspicion is its quite old. and probably not compliant with the latest specifications and test requirements. My advice would be to get it changed for a current model .

But regardless of that , your pictures show it has a button marked "T" to the bottom left of the picture. That is a simple function test button, and when the unit is switched on, pressing the button should cause it instantly turn off. If it doesn't make it to turn off the unit is not functioning, and you should not use it until its been changed and tested by the installer.

The fact the T button causes it to trip does not prove it meets present day standards.

 

[Beardy]

Sorry, can't help with identification but .......

The orange cable 'looks' smaller than the two white cables. It also appears to be blackened around the curve - is it scorched where it's over heated at some point?

When you say 'the RCCD in the front locker', is that the front locker where the gas bottle is located? Hopefully not, but if it is it needs to be relocated.

Apologies if I'm wrong but from your photos and description I have to question the safety of the installation- it looks like it's been bodged at some point.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Beardy has made an important point concerning safety. I had not taken in the fact you mentioned where it is located - in the front locker. I presume that is where your gas bottles are located. Current construction regulations don't allow any electrical (230 Vac or 12V dc) wiring to be inside the gas bottle locker. I know that as you have an older caravan, technically the latest regulations don't apply. But there are good reasons for your safety to adopt the new regs in relation to the gas bottle locker

My advice is the electrical system should be removed from the locker, and recreated with a new RCD, set up inside the caravan. I suggest you employ a fully competent electrician to make the changes and to to do a safety check on the rest of the elctrical installation in the caravan.

 

[RogerL]

I don't know details of the Avondale Mayfly but many caravans in the '80s didn't have mains electrics as standard but subsequently had them retro-fitted - even quite high up the price ranges.

As above, the electrics shouldn't be in the gas locker.

 

[lesliedrew953]

Oh my goodness, thanks to everyone who has replied. I had never thought about the gas bottle being inside the same locker area with the electrics !

It's definitely a job to get them moved elsewhere and yes, I will need a qualified Electrician as could never undertake something like myself.

Thank you once again for all your support (especially to an old-timer like me, 72 yrs young last week).

Les of Littlehampton

 

[Dustydog]

Happy birthday Les .You are certainly not old. Many on here can beat you😁
As I found out last year the latest regs insist sll circuit breakers MCB and RCD are housed metal not plastic boxes 🙀

 

[lesliedrew953]

Thanks for happy birthday - will ask the Electrician for a new metal version when he comes round to qive me a quote.