Stripping out an old kitchen at work....

[undertaker]

Been emptying a kitchen at work ready for a new floor to be fitted and there is a 32 amp supply for the dishwasher (hard wired into a neon switch). It has been moved at some point and approx 3 meters of cable put in from the old backplate to a new backplate and switch. 6mm t&e which is fine.

Trouble is the switch over the last day or so coincidentally has been getting very hot then blowng the mcb in the cabinet.

The 6mm t&e has been joined at the old backplate with block connectors which I guess is fine. They are tight and big enough (say 40a on the tops).

Could it be the neon switch has had it ? It is rated at 32a as written on the back.

It still isolates when you turn it off but when you turn it on, it'll be ok for 3 - 5 mins and then blow the mob with the neon switch getting quite hot!

 

[Robotstar5]

Is the dishwasher still connected?

 

[undertaker]

It is.

Just thinking could it be because block connectors were used to extend the t&e or could it just be the fact that the switch is goosed?

 

[the snooper]

could be bad contacts in the switch arcing

 

[Robotstar5]

Try disconnecting the dishwasher (assuming it's safe to do so), would eliminate it as the cause of fault.

 

[the snooper]

Try disconnecting the dishwasher (assuming it's safe to do so), would eliminate it as the cause of fault.

I doubt it would give you any clues as there would be no amperage going through the switch, it could be dishwasher or switch 2 ways to find out, replace switch or use a clamp meter to make sure that the dishwasher isn't pulling more power then the switch is rated for

 

[undertaker]

I'll change the switch tomorrow for a 45a oven switch and then clamp meter it to see the amperage.

6mm cable feeds it about 7 meters from the db upstairs. The extension of the cable is about 3 meters on thinking about it so 10 meters in total.

The terminal block join I'm sure is fine as it is accessible and the terminal block is high enough rating.

 

[the snooper]

if terminal block go bad they usually melt the plastic around them

 

[BrokenBiker]

i assume this is an industrial dishwasher?

i would test to see what current is being pulled by the washer, if needs be upgrade the switch or if its not pulling more than the rated current swap the switch out for a new one

what is the current rating on the washer?

 

[the snooper]

i assume this is an industrial dishwasher?

i would test to see what current is being pulled by the washer, if needs be upgrade the switch or if its not pulling more than the rated current swap the switch out for a new one

what is the current rating on the washer?

see post 6 and 7