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UK diy (uk.d-i-y) For the discussion of all topics related to diy (do-it-yourself) in the UK. All levels of experience and proficency are welcome to join in to ask questions or offer solutions. |
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#1
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MCB -> RCBO
I've got no RCCB protection at all in my new home. (Recently built
apartment) I'm thinking of changing out the MCB for an RCBO - not a difficult job, and there's plenty of space in the CU. But, is this a part P notifiable job? I've looked through the part P guides but am a bit confused as it says that 'replacing' is not notifiable except in certain areas. Hopefully, someone here can clarify. M |
#2
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On Sat, 17 Sep 2005 20:23:45 +0000 (UTC), Mark
wrote: I've got no RCCB protection at all in my new home. (Recently built apartment) I'm thinking of changing out the MCB for an RCBO - not a difficult job, and there's plenty of space in the CU. *The* MCB? Normally there are several - one for each circuit - or were you referring to the main incoming switch? You can replace individual circuit MCBs with RCBOs (they are combined MCB and RCD). However, each is two DIN positions as opposed to one and rather more expensive. An alternative is to split the consumer unit and fit a 30MA RCD part way across, keeping the MCBs. Typically lighting and essential power circuits for freezers etc. are connected upstream of the RCD and circuits where portable appliances to be used outside might be connected are downstream. But, is this a part P notifiable job? Yes. I've looked through the part P guides but am a bit confused as it says that 'replacing' is not notifiable except in certain areas. This one is. Hopefully, someone here can clarify. M -- ..andy To email, substitute .nospam with .gl |
#3
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Andy Hall wrote:
*The* MCB? Normally there are several - one for each circuit - or were you referring to the main incoming switch? LOL. Oops. I mean the MCB for the flat ring main. I'm quite happy to leave the kitchen ring/lights/etc. unprotected, which doesn't actually leave very much that otherwise needs protection. An alternative is to split the consumer unit and fit a 30MA RCD part way across, keeping the MCBs. Typically lighting and essential power circuits for freezers etc. are connected upstream of the RCD and circuits where portable appliances to be used outside might be connected are downstream. I thought of this, but there's already an off-peak supply in the CU, and I could imagine running out of bus bars if I wanted to split the supply. Besides, the only other circuit that would warrant protection is the immersion heater. A split load for 2 circuits? Well, i suppose it is an option. But, is this a part P notifiable job? Yes. Cheers. Will put a bit more thought into things before jumping in. M |
#4
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Andy Hall wrote:
MCB and RCD). However, each is two DIN positions as opposed to one and rather more expensive. There are some single width ones, but these tend to be double height. Hence not all CUs are tall enough to take them. -- Cheers, John. /================================================== ===============\ | Internode Ltd - http://www.internode.co.uk | |-----------------------------------------------------------------| | John Rumm - john(at)internode(dot)co(dot)uk | \================================================= ================/ |
#5
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In article , Andy Hall
writes On Sat, 17 Sep 2005 20:23:45 +0000 (UTC), Mark wrote: I've got no RCCB protection at all in my new home. (Recently built apartment) I'm thinking of changing out the MCB for an RCBO - not a difficult job, and there's plenty of space in the CU. *The* MCB? Normally there are several - one for each circuit - or were you referring to the main incoming switch? You can replace individual circuit MCBs with RCBOs (they are combined MCB and RCD). However, each is two DIN positions as opposed to one and rather more expensive. May I beg leave to ask me 'learned friend whether one DIN way one's exist as I seem to remember seeing them around???? -- Tony Sayer |
#6
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In article ,
tony sayer writes: In article , Andy Hall writes You can replace individual circuit MCBs with RCBOs (they are combined MCB and RCD). However, each is two DIN positions as opposed to one and rather more expensive. May I beg leave to ask me 'learned friend whether one DIN way one's exist as I seem to remember seeing them around???? Yes they do. Depends on manufacturer. I have used those from MK and Eaton (formerly MEM). -- Andrew Gabriel |
#7
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Mark wrote:
Besides, the only other circuit that would warrant protection is the immersion heater. A split load for 2 circuits? Well, i suppose it is an option. I would not put an immersion on an RCD. If the RCD is shared its asking for trouble. And it really gains nothing in safety terms. Contrary to popular assumption its quite ok for a split immersion heater to pass the heating current straight through the water. Its very common, and no-one gets injured this way. Those without understnading of the subject never believe it, but tis so. And it happens commonly. NT |
#8
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