Workshop electrics

[PeterSk]

I've just had a gander at the leccy stuff in my shed, and one or two things have rather given me the collywobbles about it all.

First off is the age of the MCBs, they are huge dark brown things (look like bakelite to me!) which as far as I can tell were put in in the 80s. Plus all the sockets are running from one 15A MCB, which probably isn't too sensible

Bigger worry though is that the RCD doesn't trip when you press the Test button. Now this is a huge red flag to me, there appears to be a pretty decent earth made for the shed with a dedicated grounding stake, but still the main safety device for the shed doesn't work.

I'm pretty handy with electrics, but assume that I'm not allowed to just delve in now and replace it all. If nothing else I'm in rented property, so would rather like the landlord to foot the bill, so I assume that I'll have to get any work signed off by an official sparky to keep it official.

Any advice much appreciated!

 

[dh7892]

I think you've answered you own question there; just get the LL to sort it out. Only danger with that is that their way of sorting it out might be to disconnect the electrics to the shed if it's cheaper than getting it fixed properly!

 

[Digit]

One point often overlooked with earthing stakes Pete is soil condition. I dealt with a non tripper and eventually traced it to the earthing stake.
Under some large trees, driven into a three foot high embankment, very dry summer equalled too high a resistance to trip.
Damned unlikely though, in view of the age I would upgrade. Is the CU the old brown type as well?

Roy.

 

[PeterSk]

The CU is a Federal branded grey metal monstrosity. I'll try watering the earthing stake and see if it makes any difference. It's buried next to the edge of the shed though, so should be reasonably resistant to drying out.