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Fireball EM tripping RCD

ronsplooter

ronsplooter

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Jul 21, 2011
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Finally got some time to have a proper look at this and have found out something new since I last posted about it. The problem is that my Bally Fireball EM (German version) trips the rcd in my consumer unit after the game has been on for a bit. I ran a couple of tests yesterday to time how long it took before the rcd tripped. First test was 18 mins and the second test was 34 mins....don't know if this means anything :)

The game will trip the rcd whether the cab switch is on or not. As long as it's plugged into the wall and switched on at the plug socket it will happen. Originally I thought that from the plug it was a mains cable straight to the transformer with nothing in between but having had a proper look today it's got some sort of filter in line, a pic of which is below:

IMG_6481.jpg

IMG_6489.JPG

Doing a quick bit of Google translating seems to suggest this is an RFI filter (which I guess is the same thing as an EMI filter) and it's got separate connections for the live, neutral and earth. So my question is, could this be the cause of the game tripping my rcd? And if so what can I replace it with? The unit is a sealed box so breaking it open doesn't look like an option. I've got new mains cable to replace the piece that goes from this filter out to the plug and could also replace the cable inside the game from the filter to the transformer if needed but I'd be surprised if this had got damaged.
 
ronsplooter said:
So my question is, could this be the cause of the game tripping my rcd? And if so what can I replace it with? The unit is a sealed box so breaking it open doesn't look like an option. I've got new mains cable to replace the piece that goes from this filter out to the plug and could also replace the cable inside the game from the filter to the transformer if needed but I'd be surprised if this had got damaged.
Click to expand...

Yes, it could be the culprit. You can connect the mains without it in place (the game will still work) and see if the trip still occurs. If it does then you can rule it out, if it doesn't then it is indeed the culprit.
 
If it does then you can rule it out, if it doesn't then it is indeed the culprit.
Click to expand...

Thanks Peter :thumbs: I'll have to jerry rig something re: the wiring to bridge the gap where the filter unit would sit but I'm guessing that will be ok for testing. If this is the cause of the issue then can it be removed permanently by just running a new mains cable direct to the transformer or would I be making the game less safe? I'm thinking that finding a replacement for something made in 1972 is going to be pretty tricky :D
 
I think @pinballmania and possibly @PinballDaze sell in-line filters. You won't make the game less safe without a filter as it's nothing to do with safety, it's unlikely but it may possibly cause interference to other electrical items connected to the mains.
 
Ok cool :) I've already mailed the Legend about this as I needed a few other bits and pieces. Will hook it up without the filter this evening and see if it makes any difference. The old unit I've taken out filters all 3 wires separately from what I gather so not sure if I'd need to buy 3 of the replacement filters to do the same job.
 
Nope, 1 filter will do the job and will have a similar three anchor points for the mains.
 
We have a winner :D Wired up the mains cable directly to the transformer with the filter removed and the game ran quite happily for 2 hours without tripping the rcd. I'll get a new one ordered from The Legend asap. Big thanks to Peter @Moonraker for the advice :thumbs:
 
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