In this article:
- Overview
- Why does my RCD/MCB Trip when myenergi product is not doing anything?
- Why is my RCD tripping when myenergi product stops using power?
- Why is my MCB Tripping?
- Installer error reasons for RCD/MCB Tripping.
Overview
Warning: This article is not an exhaustive list of reasons why this may occur
There are many reasons why the supplying RCD/MCB may trip with Zappi. Some are related to the Zappi having a hardware failure, some are external to Zappi failures.
Why does my RCD/MCB Trip when myenergi product is not doing anything?
This could be down to multiple reasons, mostly that away from the myenergi product but not fully excluding it:
Short circuit - This can happen for various reasons, but the most probable cause is faulty wiring or weak connections. You can usually locate the source of a short circuit by the smell of burning. Sometimes, you may also hear popping or crackling sounds when the defective circuit is in operation.
Faulty Earth/Ground - A live wire coming into contact with the earth wire can cause a fault similar to a short circuit. This results in an excess of current that the circuit is not designed to handle, leading to the tripping of the RCD.
Overcurrent - To protect people and devices from harm, fuses and circuit breakers are designed to prevent overcurrent situations. Overcurrent can occur when a circuit is overloaded due to an electrical fault, such as a short circuit. The RCD is designed to trip and prevent damage or injury in such cases, acting as a safety measure.
Why is my RCD tripping when myenergi product stops using power?
When a residual current device (RCD) trips, it means that there is an imbalance in the current flowing through the circuit it is protecting.
Normally, the current flowing into and out of a circuit is equal, but if there is a sudden drop in current or if the current flows in the wrong direction, it indicates a leakage in the system. This leakage could be caused by a faulty appliance, damaged wiring, or someone coming into contact with live wires.
An RCD device senses this leakage and immediately trips to cut off the power supply, preventing further damage or injury to people.
Why is my MCB Tripping?
Nuisance tripping can be a common problem with Zappi circuit breakers (MCBs). Often, this issue is heat-related.
MCBs come with a derating factor, especially when several are installed together. However, some MCBs are more prone to this problem than others.
The solution to this issue is to install an MCB with a higher rating. Additionally, poor installation of the MCB can cause arcing, leading to significant heat buildup and MCB failure.
The quality of the MCB can also affect the tripping events, especially when the Zappi is on a fast charge, drawing 32 amps through the MCB for an extended period of time.
It's important to note that MCBs are not invincible and can fail, just like the RCDs.
If you notice any signs of discolouration, or scorching, or feel the warmth from the MCB, it's likely the root cause of the tripping, and the MCB should be replaced as soon as possible. Overloading the MCB can also cause tripping events to occur.
Warning: In case you detect an issue with your circuits, it is always advisable to seek the assistance of a professional installer to conduct the necessary repairs.
Installer error reasons for RCD/MCB Tripping.
With Zappi the reasons it may cause an RCD/MCB tripping event are limited mostly to poor installation techniques.
This could be down to incorrect location placement for the main power feed into Zappi. Below is an example of this.
If you find you are affected by this, please contact your installer. For more information on overheated terminals please see -> zappi 2.1 conductor install - what not to do.