Electrical RP connundrum

Milly · May 10, 2022

Simple question ? Complex answer? Baffled
I recently returned from Spain and travelled with a Great White (I know)
On one site we connected the same lead to the California and to the great white in turn and used the reverse polarity tester.
Normal polarity in the GW but reversed in the kitchen 3 pin socket in the Cali.
At a loss to explain and also whether RP is relevant in the Cali anyway with the wizard RCD?
Thanks for any expert tips to a novice!

WelshGas · May 10, 2022

Milly said:
Simple question ? Complex answer? Baffled
I recently returned from Spain and travelled with a Great White (I know)
On one site we connected the same lead to the California and to the great white in turn and used the reverse polarity tester.
Normal polarity in the GW but reversed in the kitchen 3 pin socket in the Cali.
At a loss to explain and also whether RP is relevant in the Cali anyway with the wizard RCD?
Thanks for any expert tips to a novice!

In the California the RCD works either way. The Leisure Battery Charger will work whatever the polarity. The only danger is using old appliances with a metal casing powered by the kitchen mains socket. With these appliances the On/Off switch may only work on the presumed + wire so with reversed polarity the appliance might remain live. The appliance/any appliance will work no matter the polarity so if you switch off and unplug the appliance you will always be safe no matter the polarity.
It would appear either the Motorhome or California is miswired. Does it matter, NO in my opinion.

Milly · May 10, 2022

Thanks That makes it much clearer. Maybe get it checked to be sure?
I love toast

WelshGas · May 10, 2022

Milly said:
Thanks That makes it much clearer. Maybe get it checked to be sure?
I love toast

If it’s a modern toaster then your safe. The power switch will cut both + and - wires.

Milly · May 10, 2022

Great thanks again

Keith Smith · May 10, 2022

My California had the same fault and I took it back to the dealer and got them to fix it. Even though the RCBO in the California does give good protection, it’s not a good idea to have a fuse in the neutral wire.

Milly · May 10, 2022

Still under warrantee so that could be worth a trip for peace of mind

WelshGas · May 10, 2022

Keith Smith said:
My California had the same fault and I took it back to the dealer and got them to fix it. Even though the RCBO in the California does give good protection, it’s not a good idea to have a fuse in the neutral wire.

There are no fuses in the Mains 230v system in the California.

Keith Smith · May 10, 2022

WelshGas said:
There are no fuses in the Mains 230v system in the California.

Agreed, but the UK socket at the end of the sink unit needs a UK plug to work. UK plugs are fused and that should be in the live supply to the appliance. If the wiring is reversed any fuse in the plug will be in the negative leg. It’s quite conceivable that a 1 or 5 amp fuse could blow without tripping the RCBO leaving and appliance seemingly dead but still live.

WelshGas · May 10, 2022

Keith Smith said:
Agreed, but the UK socket at the end of the sink unit needs a UK plug to work. UK plugs are fused and that should be in the live supply to the appliance. If the wiring is reversed any fuse in the plug will be in the negative leg. It’s quite conceivable that a 1 or 5 amp fuse could blow without tripping the RCBO leaving and appliance seemingly dead but still live.

1. The external carcass of modern appliances are either non-conductive or insulated.
2. If you are foolish enough to take the appliance apart while still plugged in then Darwin’s theory applies. You’ll only do it once.

Keith Smith · May 11, 2022

WelshGas said:
1. The external carcass of modern appliances are either non-conductive or insulated.
2. If you are foolish enough to take the appliance apart while still plugged in then Darwin’s theory applies. You’ll only do it once.

Oh dear, believe what you want, but the IEE regs are there for a reason.

The Blue Merle · May 11, 2022

Keith Smith said:
Oh dear, believe what you want, but the IEE regs are there for a reason.

Don’t think the IEE regs apply to campervans/Motorhome never use to.
Main reason why trip tests are carried out on RCD/RCBOs is to prove it will operate and in the correct times.