So, I am trying to diagnose a power issue that we have in the new house.

Maybe twice or three times a month the Earth Leakage Breaker will pop in the dead of the morning, cutting power to the house. Luckily I havent been caught out yet missing my train due to the alarm being off, but it is only a matter of time I guess.

We dont have much turned on at that time in the morning, only a handful of mobile phone and laptop charges and the occasional plug pack for various devices, a couple of computers and oh yeah, the fridge.

On discussing this matter with a few electricians on the OverClockers.com.au forums, it was decided to try and isolate the issue, despite the fact that it might take 12 months to do so.

So, it was decided that I would buy a portable RCD to plug into the fridge, and it was suggested that I try Bunnings.

That I did.

I walked into the electrical section last night and was immediatly approached by one of the usually helpful staff asking if I needed assistance.

“no thanks, I am right” was my usual reply which quickly dispersed the “helper”

it isnt that I am against getting help, it is just that when you are buying a packeted plug in device that you know exactly what you want, there just isnt much point in getting them to read the packet to you.

Anyway, within about 20 seconds I had located the aisle with the plug in portaqble RCD’s and was had picked the one that I was going to buy. $24.95, single outlet, Jackson RCD with Circuit Breaker Protection.

Perfect!

As I turned to go, there was my helper standing next to me.

bugger!

“oh that is an excellent choice, probably the best choice out all that we have”

was the quip that I faced in return.

“thanks” was my reply as I attempted a speedy ‘exit stage left’

yada yada yada and smalltalk later, I had explained the reason why I needed the purchase and was faced with a blank looking Bunnings Dude.

“That wont do what you need” was the reply.

The blank look was instantly passed to me.

“sorry?” was all I could muster, and that was apparantly the magic code word for “please tell me loads more”

My gob-smacked expression must have looked pained as I was explained in no uncertain terms that;

a. my fridge is in now way responsible for my dilema
b. my house doesnt have an RCD, I meant that the Circuit Breaker was being tripped.

“ahhhh, no, it is the RCD that is tripping” was my reply.

“no, houses dont have RCD’s, they have circuit breakers” he quickly spat out.

“no, all new houses have Earth Leakage Breakers, Residual Current Devices or MCD’s, as they are required to by law” I countered.

The pained and tortured expression on his face was priceless as he changed the tone of his voice as if he was talking to a 6 year old.

“No, houses have fuses and circuit breakers, NEVER RCD’s”

Great. All I wanted to do was to buy a packeted product and GTFO in under a minute, but instead I am stuck in moronville with my exits blocked.

I began the mental calculations to plan my escape whilst I serepticiously lowered the package in my hand out of eyesight.
I decided to not bother to try and argue as it was pointless and enacted my quick escape plan.

“OK thanks, well I better talk to my electrician who suggested this plan, I can use this in the shed anyway. thanks, bye.”

And that was that, I was off, without a further mumble.

So, the moral of the story?
I guess dont beleive everything that something in a store tells you, even if it is the section of the store where they sell stuff that if you try to use it yourself without great knowledge, you will DIE.