RCD Protection fuse box change

baldelectrician

I always fit MK, I can go to almost all wholesalers (except Check Everything First) and get MK.

Readily available spares should be a major consideration (what if your shower goes bust and you buy a larger shower, or want a supply to the shed?)

My consumer unit prices start at £250 for smaller installations (including paperwork, assuming bonding OK. No Part P in Scotland)

waynehayes

zax47 wrote: »

You really need a Dual RCD board for compliance with 17th Edition now, so the Split Load one from B&Q is no good. The Wylex one from Screwfix I mentioned is this one - comes complete with 10 MCBs as well as a 100A main switch and 2 RCDs. The one you looked at doesn't include the MCBs.

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/34813/Electrical-Supplies/Consumer-Units/Wylex-Consumer-Units/Wylex-10-Way-Fully-Insulated-Dual-RCD-Consumer-Unit

I suppose this isn't the place to discuss that only a full RCBO board truly complies (As opposed to a dual RCD)?

poorlywallet

IMO there is no such thing as a '17th edition' board.

The 17th edition of the wiring regs is in force (:rotfl:) and any new electrical work must comply with it. This has led to a subtle change in the design of the boards and more protective equipment inside.

It is down to the knowledge of the person installing the board to make sure that what he/she leaves behind when finished is compliant.

It is quite possible to take a brand new, expensive, top quality board and install it in such a way that it is not compliant to the 17th ed.
Or i could take a board which has been installed for 20+years, do a few things, add a few bits and turn that into a 17th board.

(note to sparks here - 314.1 called for consideration, but does not describe action to be taken, read it how you will )

waynehayes

314.1 is quite clear in stating that an installation should be divided to minimise inconvenience in case of a fault. RCBO's would satisfy this requirement, a dual RCD board would not.

poorlywallet

actually, it says every installation shall be divided into circuits, as necessary, to:

(i) avoid hazards and minimise inconvienience...
(iii) take account of danger.....

(can't be bothered to type the whole lot, sorry, but you get the idea )

It doesn't specifically say how or what you should do about it. That part is open to interpretation by the designer and there is more than one way to skin a cat.

each case on its merit....risk assesment....requirements of the installation user.....

Lots of variables which can't be addressed in a general sense

waynehayes

poorlywallet wrote: »

actually, it says every installation shall be divided into circuits, as necessary, to:

(i) avoid hazards and minimise inconvienience...
(iii) take account of danger.....

(can't be bothered to type the whole lot, sorry, but you get the idea )

It doesn't specifically say how or what you should do about it. That part is open to interpretation by the designer and there is more than one way to skin a cat.

each case on its merit....risk assesment....requirements of the installation user.....

Lots of variables which can't be addressed in a general sense

Indeed, and reading the regulation in full compunds the meaning (for me - you're right that it is open to interpretation).
I wonder now many electricians will still be using dual RCD boards when RCBO's come down in price and only cost £5?

poorlywallet

When RCBO's get to a fiver ( i guess they will eventually due to production volumes/techniques etc) i'll use them all the time. Far better in my mind, I'll also never install a stupid ring final ever again, radials all the way for me!

Also, to further complicate the meaning of 314.1 - what happens if you do a risk assesment and decide to install a couple of emergency lights, say one on the stairs and one near the consumer unit...:undecided... food for thought.

gp2

zax47 wrote: »

You really need a Dual RCD board for compliance with 17th Edition now, so the Split Load one from B&Q is no good. The Wylex one from Screwfix I mentioned is this one - comes complete with 10 MCBs as well as a 100A main switch and 2 RCDs. The one you looked at doesn't include the MCBs.

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/34813/Electrical-Supplies/Consumer-Units/Wylex-Consumer-Units/Wylex-10-Way-Fully-Insulated-Dual-RCD-Consumer-Unit

Thanks, zax47... this one's a little bit cheaper, do you think it fits my requirement as well

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/80908/Electrical-Supplies/Consumer-Units/Wylex-Consumer-Units/WYLEX-10-Way-Fully-Insulated-Dual-RCD-Consumer-Unit

gp2

on the box, it says NH Range, DUAL RCD split load insulated consumer unit flexible arrangement with cat No. SF17NHISS10SL

zax47

Yes, that's be fine, missed that one! Screwfix hide all the best deals in the vain hope you'll miss them!!