volex consumer unit

flopsy1973

my mum has a Volex CU fitted with 63A 30mA RCD that randomly trips off. We have tried testing if something is knocking the trip off but we cannot find anything that is tripping it. When it does go off it takes a while to reset without switching anything off. I think the RCD has just become weak and i was going to replace it. I cannot seem to find one though, it is a VR63 any ideas could i fit another brand RCD into the consumer unit ????

jk0

Yeah, as long as it's physically the same shape, and same connection points, go for it.

I take it you have tried unplugging everything? Could the problem be something used intermittently like the washing machine?

Risteard

jk0 wrote: »

Yeah, as long as it's physically the same shape, and same connection points, go for it.

Not true. It will invalidate manufacturer's type testing unless they have told you that another make of device is acceptable to use with their type tested assembly.

Really a competent Electrician should be contacted for the work.

fuzzymuzzy69

As above. A decent sparks has the equipment to test the rcd and determine whether it is nuisance tripping. Intermittent faults with an rcd covering multiple circuits are not uncommon and can appear to be random. Changing the rcd will not necessarily solve this, and is in itself a task that is best carried out by competent person with suitable test equipment. Having said that volex gear was tosh which is why you are struggling to get it anymore!
Good luck

cyclonebri1

I think you need help, get a sparky in, might save the cost of the RCD anyway and you will feel more secure knowing the system has been tested

brightontraveller

jk0 wrote: »

Yeah, as long as it's physically the same shape, and same connection points, go for it.

I take it you have tried unplugging everything? Could the problem be something used intermittently like the washing machine?

You should not fit a fuse just because it’s the same size or even made by same manufacture fit the correct one? Anything else invalidates any warranty can result in fire, risk of electrocution etc Fuses with same rating in amps differ commercial, domestic ambient temperature, type b,c,d, e,k etc


Persistent tripping may well damage newly installed RCD You need to identify why RCD trips and rectify tto enure works are not just a waste of time and money ? If you cant do this then get someone who can to do it ?

macman

I'd start with any white goods on that circuit-dishwasher, cooker, washing machine or tumble drier are the usual suspects. Possible earth leakage on any of them, which any competent sparky can quickly test for.

jk0

brightontraveller wrote: »

You should not fit a fuse just because it’s the same size or even made by same manufacture fit the correct one? Anything else invalidates any warranty can result in fire, risk of electrocution etc Fuses with same rating in amps differ commercial, domestic ambient temperature, type b,c,d, e,k etc

We weren't talking about fuses.

Risteard

jk0 wrote: »

We weren't talking about fuses.

Even so you will invalidate the manufacturer's type testing to BS EN 60439-3 or BS EN 61439-3.

So if you were to do this then you would need to be in a position to do the type testing of the assembly.

It means Annex ZA/ZB cannot be used for the UK-only conditional rating of 16kA for the assembly otherwise.

Risteard

So flopsy1973 or bjl or whatever he is calling himself today should take heed of that.

jk0

Risteard wrote: »

Even so you will invalidate the manufacturer's type testing to BS EN 60439-3 or BS EN 61439-3.

So if you were to do this then you would need to be in a position to do the type testing of the assembly.

It means Annex ZA/ZB cannot be used for the UK-only conditional rating of 16kA for the assembly otherwise.

How odd? (sarc) Electricians not wanting a homeowner to help himself.

Frankly, I'm not bothered. The electricity will have no idea what sort of enclosure it is in. These items were obviously intended to be interchangeable, or why would they all fit on Din rails.