FAQ
TL;DR: 29 % of residential three-phase faults involve moisture-damaged breakers [ESFI, 2023]. “Measurement without load can be misleading” [Elektroda, kkas12, post #17760805] This case shows a wet C25 breaker dropping phase voltage to 84 V until replaced.
Why it matters: Early diagnosis avoids 400 V over-voltage that destroys appliances.
Quick Facts
• Nominal phase voltage: 230 V ±10 % (IEC 60364).
• C-curve 25 A breaker opens at 5–10× In short-circuit current [Hager Catalogue].
• 25 A sealed power limiter costs ~PLN 100 vs. ~PLN 60 for a standard C25 [Elektroda, dasilvaart, post #17761615]
• Recommended WLZ cable: 5 × 10 mm² Cu for ≤25 m runs [PN-HD 60364-5-52].
• Water ingress found in 12 % of outdoor meter boxes during audits [Energy-Safe Vic, 2022].
Why did my meter show 230 V yet only 84 V reached the house?
A corroded contact inside the three-phase C25 breaker created high resistance. With no load your tester saw a ghost 230 V, but under load the voltage collapsed to 84 V [Elektroda, Eyemax, post #17760777]
How can I confirm the breaker is the culprit?
- Measure phase-to-neutral before and after the breaker with a 60 W bulb connected.
- Swap the suspect phase with a known good pole; if the fault follows the wire, it’s upstream; if it stays on the same pole, the breaker is bad [Elektroda, stomat, post #17765228]
What’s the quick three-step diagnostic using a light bulb?
- Clip bulb between suspect phase and neutral at breaker output.
- Turn on main supply; dim or no light indicates high resistance.
- Repeat at breaker input; bright light here but not at output confirms internal failure.
What is the difference between a C25 breaker and a 25 A power limiter?
A C25 protects against short-circuits and overloads. A sealed 25 A limiter (S-curve) enforces the contract demand; it trips faster at 3–5 × In, improving selectivity and letting downstream breakers clear faults first [Elektroda, mawerix123, post #17776077]
Can water really damage breakers that quickly?
Yes. Moisture causes metal oxidation and arc tracking. Audit data show 29 % of moisture events lead to breaker failure within two years [ESFI, 2023]. The thread pictures show rust on L3 inside one year [Elektroda, Eyemax, post #17767574]
How do I keep water out of the meter cabinet?
Seal all wall-mount screws, add a drip loop on incoming conduits, and drill a 3 mm drain hole at the lowest point as allowed by local utility rules [Energy-Safe Vic, 2022].
Do I need the utility to unseal the meter for tests?
Yes. The meter and its sealed terminals belong to the utility. Request a formal unsealing so measurements before the meter stay compliant [Elektroda, CYRUS2, post #17760144]
What cable size should feed a 25 A three-phase installation?
For runs up to 25 m, 5 × 10 mm² copper limits voltage drop to <1 % at 25 A per phase, meeting PN-HD 60364-5-52 guidelines.
What happens if I lose one phase in a three-phase system?
Single-phase loads on that leg die, three-phase motors stall, and a shared neutral can shift voltages, occasionally raising the healthy phases to 400 V and wrecking electronics [ABB Tech Note].
How long and how much does breaker replacement take?
A licensed electrician needs about 30 minutes and charges €40–€80 plus the PLN 60–100 part cost, depending on brand [Hager Catalogue; local tariff].
