Thread: Query - Zapped by my scrollsaw (!!!!) - what is happening with Earth?

Originally Posted by woodPixel

...Interestingly my RCD's dont have testing buttons. This has me worried. I'll post a picture...

That is worrisome. Are you sure they're RCDs and not just breakers? I retract what I said about your being protected. You may have a serious issue.

Dmorse, my error. They have buttons.

The pictures I saw of RCDs online showed a distinct button. I assumed the coloured plastics on mine were just embellishments or "coolness enhancements".

Just gave them all a press and they popped.

Second picture is the main box outside (ugly!). The other is the new one in my studio.

Feedback very welcome!

Originally Posted by woodPixel

Why aren't houses compulsorily tested every 10 years? Or subjected to an enforced upgrading of switch boards every 20 to the latest tech?
The original switch board here was 60 years old. A real POS. A bloody relic.

Same reason appliances or cars aren't tested every 10 years - cost.
I reckon they could start by stating/stamping a recommended retest date on switchboards like gas cylinders.
2 Cord cables could be stamped with - WARNING does not contain an earth - although that wouldn't stop most people.
A more urgent appliance is a smoke detector - they're only compulsory on new dwellings and no one comes around to check you haven't removed it because it keeps making that infernal noise.
How about a dust detector? More people probably die from dusty houses than are killed by house fires.
Even more die from what is and is not in their fridges and pantries.
At some point folks have to get off their fat arses in front of the goggle box and self educate instead of fronting up to the doc with a raft of health issues and complaining that the docs can't provide an instant fix..

I think they have their place, some do indicate the problem, and the average consumer doesn’t need to know anymore than there is a problem and then extension lead is replaced or they get a sparky to check the power point fault. In woodPixel’s case it wouldn’t help as the plug was an IEC fitting and his experience is a warning for all about on how you can get caught out making an (understandable) assumption that the saw was earthed via a cable with a three pin plug. By the way, that seems to be a very long kettle cord.

I agree - better than nothing but they will still say "OK" at times when things are not.
It's good that a tag is included that states one potential problem, although once again most users won't understand what it means.

Originally Posted by woodPixel

Why aren't houses compulsorily tested every 10 years? Or subjected to an enforced upgrading of switch boards every 20 to the latest tech?

The original switch board here was 60 years old. A real POS. A bloody relic.

Hi,
Now days here in Australia the electrical installation has to be checked out and up dated if necessary when the premises change hands.
Regards