Testing a Theory: Earth Leakage

[@TheEulerID]

It is better to put the clamp meter round the line & neutral to get a truer measurement of earth leakage. That's because it's possible that there's another route to earth which could be carrying current. In the case of a television, then there is very likely to be a connection to earth via the coax aerial lead, and a reading from the protective earth alone might not be accurate. That's going to be even more likely for devices like immersion heaters, boilers or anything else with a solid connection to the plumbing or gas pipes.

[@johnernest2779]

Omg I love the way you took the Romex and exposed one insolated wire and made it into an extension cord to check for amperage. This is brilliant as you can only check the hot and not both together as they will cancel each other out. I will be making one of these. This is the best idea I've ever seen. You are a genius my friend!

[@johnernest2779]

As promised I made one of these from your idea. I must say you are on to something and made my life easier my friend. Thank you so very much for your brilliant idea as it works flawlessly!!!! Best idea I've seen in years! Cheers 👏👏👏

[@johnnywilkinson9736]

Placing the current transformer round the earth conductor is wrong and will not measure any earth leakage taking another route. Clamp round the live and neutral conductor bundle to actually measure leakage.

[@learninglounge]

@festeradamz hi, we did it this way because its a lot more visual and easier to test appliances in place and operating fully - sometimes something which is not so easy to do with a PAT tester. Also if you watch the full video on the Learning Lounge you will see where the video is approaching the subject from. Thanks for taking the time to comment though and best wishes for 2012. Terry at Navigator Productions.

[@warrengray610]

Hi you come correct, would I be right in sumising from your video that upgrading the installation with R,C.D or similar can go ahead as there won't be issues with tripping due to currents above 30mA leaking to earth? and upsetting the protection? nice touch with the C.P.C. drawn out of the flex by the way!

[@learninglounge]

Hi, thanks for the comment. You should always assess every installation, the video shows a way you can check this.

[@galax574]

Can I use a ordinary clamp meter to test the earth leakage current by clamping the live and neutral conductors together?

[@billwilliams6338]

Can you explain why circuits in general have leakage current and where is the leakage current coming from or how to lower leakage current?

[@learninglounge]

Hi Bill, a primary cause is electronic smoothing in power supplies.

[@aj010139]

Since there is earth Leakage in the CPC, then say if you put the clamp meter around the line and neutral should you not also get the same reading as the current will not cancel each other out but instead indicate the difference- the leakage current?

[@terencebrown5367]

That's a good point...coronavirus permitting we, we will test the theory

[@Treefrogging]

Why is it that Megger are saying to clamp the lines and not the PE?

[@billwilliams6338]

Do you mean high ripple voltage is higher leakage current? the lower the ripple AC voltage the lower the leakage current? How do you lower the leakage current?

[@PF-gi9vv]

Sell the equipment and buy new.

[@boanergesd2858]

Good work sir

[@Dog-whisperer7494]

Just because an installation is old doesn’t mean that it’s unsafe. If the installation was designed to an earlier edition of BS7671. Then off course it won’t comply with the current edition of BS7671 , there is no law or regulations that require it tobe Brought up to the current standard. As long as it is in good condition ie no signs of damage, overheating , burning , or exposed live parts, we should only make sure that all connections are tight conductors terminated correctly with no detieration We then carry out all the required tests as to the current edition of BS7671, if all test results are within the maximum limits specified by the IET BS7671 then we can sign it off as being safe for continued service. And give a code 3 for the lack of RCD protection . This guy’s need to read the HSE note in BS7671, and the guidance in the onsite guide page 99. He is or was a sales rep for martindale. And needs berry his head in the books. And get back on the tools. He might just learn something.

[@hitorsh1t]

Would i be right in saying that if your replacing the board a p.i.r should be carried out prior to replacement to check the installation. Any appliances with high earth leakage will effect the day to day operation granted but if they had such high leakage they shouldnt be in operation. Im not sure i see what you are trying to achieve here.

[@Crazy--Clown]

Instead of using a clamp go directly via a multimeter

[@lipschutz]

Earth Leakage Currents OR Ground Leakage Currents ? Really I dont know.

[@learninglounge]

Here in the UK we use the term earth - its a well "grounded" term over here :D Thanks for commenting

[@750VFRRules]

And we learned What?

[@michaelagnew7825]

Careful, your head nearly hit the door frame

[@ucw458]

The movie playing behind him is more interesting than he is.

[@hitorsh1t]

What a load of class 2 nonsense its quicker to pat test the class one item. Or back at the board