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Conference rocks::diy

Title:The DIY box
Notice:The way to spend your weekend
Moderator:IOSG::PYE
Created:Fri Jun 09 1989
Last Modified:Mon Jun 02 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:540
Total number of notes:6092

540.0. "Problemswith electric lawn mower" by MARVIN::PATEL () Tue May 06 1997 12:43

I have a problem with my electric lawn mower and I was wondering if anyone
can help.
I have had the mower for about 2 1/2 years. This year everytime I use it the
electricity to the whole house is cut off because the switch in the
fuse box is tripping. I have checked the lead and it looks OK.
Anyone have any ideas what to check for ? Thanks.
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name
DateLines
540.1Going to groundROCKS::ROBINSONSeasonally adjustedTue May 06 1997 16:396
    The trip (RCD) is going because there is a short (or partial short)
    between live or neutral and earth. I think most lawnmowers are two wires
    only (no earth), so the problem is mostly likely in the plug. Take a look
    for dead spiders, water, etc.
    
    Chris
540.2Clean it wellBIRDIE::ORLOWSKITue May 06 1997 18:184
    ....or possibly a jam up of string around the blade or grass under the 
    housing.
    
                                          -Steve
540.3FORTY2::PALKAWed May 07 1997 13:2211
    An RCDshould only trip if there is an imbalance in the current in the
    live and neutral leads. This can happen with a leakage path between
    the current carrying wires and earth. If the mower has a three wire
    cable then it must have a metal frame. The leakage may be due to damp
    inside part of the mower (switch or motor) or may be due to damaged
    insulation. If the mower has a 2 wire cable then the leakage must be
    to the ground (possibly via the blade). Again this might be due to
    damp or damaged insulation, but 2 wire equipment ought to be
    sufficiently well insulated that this can not happen !
    
    Andrew
540.4WOTVAX::DODDThu May 08 1997 12:298
    First, obviuous question - is it the mower or the socket? If you are
    using a seldom used socket check the mower in a socket you know is
    good. Similarly with any extension leads. Then check connections in the
    failing component.
    
    Good luck!
    
    Andrew
540.5MARVIN::PATELMon May 12 1997 12:193
Thanks for all the replies. I found the problem. The lead from
the motor to the switch on the lawn mower handle had been scratched (probably when
it rubbed against a garden wall) exposing the wiring.