Currently just need 6 ways, though would like 2 or 3 spare for future
expansion. 100A incomer.

Would prefer to go with RCBOs for better fault discrimination.

Also easy to get, so perhaps Screwfix or Toolstation. Any other
suppliers where the man the other side of the counter isn't likely to
inhale between his teeth?

On 28/08/14 23:26, Fredxxx wrote:
Currently just need 6 ways, though would like 2 or 3 spare for future
expansion. 100A incomer.

Would prefer to go with RCBOs for better fault discrimination.

Also easy to get, so perhaps Screwfix or Toolstation. Any other
suppliers where the man the other side of the counter isn't likely to
inhale between his teeth?

I like Hager.

You can buy this stuff online - but TLC's prices are not too bad if you
have a branch near you.

On Thursday, August 28, 2014 11:26:42 PM UTC+1, Fredxxx wrote:
Currently just need 6 ways, though would like 2 or 3 spare for future
expansion. 100A incomer.

Hager have a good reputation. From TLC
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/HGVC108.html

On price however it is hard to beat the special deals on BG populated units offered by Screwfix.

Owain

On 28/08/2014 23:26, Fredxxx wrote:
Currently just need 6 ways, though would like 2 or 3 spare for future
expansion. 100A incomer.

Would prefer to go with RCBOs for better fault discrimination.

Also easy to get, so perhaps Screwfix or Toolstation. Any other
suppliers where the man the other side of the counter isn't likely to
inhale between his teeth?

TLC Direct - good in person or by mail order

Stick to a known brand to have a realistic chance of support into the
future. MK for decent and top money. Contactum for cheap but adequate,
Hager for middle ground and good range of options.

--
Cheers,

John.

/================================================== ===============\
| Internode Ltd - http://www.internode.co.uk |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
| John Rumm - john(at)internode(dot)co(dot)uk |
\================================================= ================/

"Fredxxx" wrote in message
...
Currently just need 6 ways, though would like 2 or 3 spare for future
expansion. 100A incomer.

Would prefer to go with RCBOs for better fault discrimination.

Also easy to get, so perhaps Screwfix or Toolstation. Any other suppliers
where the man the other side of the counter isn't likely to inhale between
his teeth?


For all RCBO installs you cannot beat

http://www.allaboutelectrics.co.uk/c...-6-rcbo-s.html

other sizes and RCBOs available from here

http://www.allaboutelectrics.co.uk/c...-6-rcbo-s.html

If you have a Denmans branch nearby they have the samething and will let you
choose the RCBOs you actually need.

--
Adam

On 29/08/14 01:58, John Rumm wrote:
On 28/08/2014 23:26, Fredxxx wrote:
Currently just need 6 ways, though would like 2 or 3 spare for future
expansion. 100A incomer.

Would prefer to go with RCBOs for better fault discrimination.

Also easy to get, so perhaps Screwfix or Toolstation. Any other
suppliers where the man the other side of the counter isn't likely to
inhale between his teeth?

TLC Direct - good in person or by mail order

Stick to a known brand to have a realistic chance of support into the
future. MK for decent and top money. Contactum for cheap but adequate,
Hager for middle ground and good range of options.


Avoid GE - their parts randomly disappear. Hager seem to stay the course
(and as it happens fit the GE board from 12 years back).

In article ,
Fredxxx writes:
Currently just need 6 ways, though would like 2 or 3 spare for future
expansion. 100A incomer.

Would prefer to go with RCBOs for better fault discrimination.

Also easy to get, so perhaps Screwfix or Toolstation. Any other
suppliers where the man the other side of the counter isn't likely to
inhale between his teeth?

I would suggest you fully populate the spare ways (or at least buy
the parts to do so). They may no longer be available when you actually
want them. Take a stab at likey values.

--
Andrew Gabriel
[email address is not usable -- followup in the newsgroup]

On Fri, 29 Aug 2014 06:21:38 +0100, ARW wrote:

"Fredxxx" wrote in message
...
Currently just need 6 ways, though would like 2 or 3 spare for future
expansion. 100A incomer.

Would prefer to go with RCBOs for better fault discrimination.

Also easy to get, so perhaps Screwfix or Toolstation. Any other
suppliers where the man the other side of the counter isn't likely to
inhale between his teeth?


For all RCBO installs you cannot beat

http://www.allaboutelectrics.co.uk/c...ed-board-main-
switch-6-rcbo-s.html

other sizes and RCBOs available from here

http://www.allaboutelectrics.co.uk/c...ed-board-main-
switch-6-rcbo-s.html

If you have a Denmans branch nearby they have the samething and will let
you choose the RCBOs you actually need.

+1

We have one installed - I think it came from Denmans - and it was by far
the best value for populated RCBOs.

I wanted RCBOs to avoid the 'earth/neutral kicks the whole CU off' problem
I always get when tinkering with electrics.
Is this the same as better fault discrimination?

Cheers

Dave R

--
Windows 8.1 on PCSpecialist box

wrote in message
...
On Thursday, August 28, 2014 11:26:42 PM UTC+1, Fredxxx wrote:
Currently just need 6 ways, though would like 2 or 3 spare for future
expansion. 100A incomer.

Hager have a good reputation. From TLC
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/HGVC108.html


On price however it is hard to beat the special deals on BG populated
units offered by Screwfix.

Not bad CU's. But you need to wait for the deals.



--
Adam

"John Rumm" wrote in message
o.uk...
On 28/08/2014 23:26, Fredxxx wrote:
Currently just need 6 ways, though would like 2 or 3 spare for future
expansion. 100A incomer.

Would prefer to go with RCBOs for better fault discrimination.

Also easy to get, so perhaps Screwfix or Toolstation. Any other
suppliers where the man the other side of the counter isn't likely to
inhale between his teeth?

TLC Direct - good in person or by mail order

Stick to a known brand to have a realistic chance of support into the
future. MK for decent and top money. Contactum for cheap but adequate,
Hager for middle ground and good range of options.


I rate Hager above MK for quality.

I rate MK above Hager for paying top money!

--
Adam

wrote in message
...
On Thursday, August 28, 2014 11:26:42 PM UTC+1, Fredxxx wrote:
Currently just need 6 ways, though would like 2 or 3 spare for future
expansion. 100A incomer.

Hager have a good reputation. From TLC
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/HGVC108.html

On price however it is hard to beat the special deals on BG populated
units offered by Screwfix.


**** me this is the rip off of the year from Screwfix

http://www.screwfix.com/p/wylex-17-w...mer-unit/57126

Mind you it is FULLY insulated.

--
Adam

On 2014-08-28, wrote:

On Thursday, August 28, 2014 11:26:42 PM UTC+1, Fredxxx wrote:
Currently just need 6 ways, though would like 2 or 3 spare for future
expansion. 100A incomer.

Hager have a good reputation. From TLC
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/HGVC108.html

On price however it is hard to beat the special deals on BG populated units offered by Screwfix.

Do the populated units ever come with RCBOs? (Whenever I've seen
them, they've always had 2 RCDs & various subsidiary MCBs.)

On 2014-09-01, ARW wrote:

"John Rumm" wrote in message
o.uk...
On 28/08/2014 23:26, Fredxxx wrote:
Currently just need 6 ways, though would like 2 or 3 spare for future
expansion. 100A incomer.

Would prefer to go with RCBOs for better fault discrimination.

Also easy to get, so perhaps Screwfix or Toolstation. Any other
suppliers where the man the other side of the counter isn't likely to
inhale between his teeth?

TLC Direct - good in person or by mail order

Stick to a known brand to have a realistic chance of support into the
future. MK for decent and top money. Contactum for cheap but adequate,
Hager for middle ground and good range of options.


I rate Hager above MK for quality.

I rate MK above Hager for paying top money!

For sockets too? (I understand a lot of people swear the MK sockets
are better.)

On 01/09/14 20:37, Adam Funk wrote:
On 2014-09-01, ARW wrote:

I rate MK above Hager for paying top money!

For sockets too? (I understand a lot of people swear the MK sockets
are better.)


I've found GET sockets are well built and I've had no problems with them
- even with ones with 2.5kW heaters running half the day.

On 29/08/2014 06:21, ARW wrote:
"Fredxxx" wrote in message
...
Currently just need 6 ways, though would like 2 or 3 spare for future
expansion. 100A incomer.

Would prefer to go with RCBOs for better fault discrimination.

Also easy to get, so perhaps Screwfix or Toolstation. Any other
suppliers where the man the other side of the counter isn't likely to
inhale between his teeth?


For all RCBO installs you cannot beat

http://www.allaboutelectrics.co.uk/c...-6-rcbo-s.html


other sizes and RCBOs available from here

http://www.allaboutelectrics.co.uk/c...-6-rcbo-s.html


If you have a Denmans branch nearby they have the samething and will let
you choose the RCBOs you actually need.

Many thanks for the info.

The standard 8 way would have been ideal for me, but the height I have
is just over 200mm, and this consumer unit is spec'd on the Denman's
website as being 272mm high. It certainly looks very good value.

Are there any lower profile (height) ones you can recommend?

On 29/08/2014 13:00, Andrew Gabriel wrote:
In article ,
Fredxxx writes:
Currently just need 6 ways, though would like 2 or 3 spare for future
expansion. 100A incomer.

Would prefer to go with RCBOs for better fault discrimination.

Also easy to get, so perhaps Screwfix or Toolstation. Any other
suppliers where the man the other side of the counter isn't likely to
inhale between his teeth?

I would suggest you fully populate the spare ways (or at least buy
the parts to do so). They may no longer be available when you actually
want them. Take a stab at likey values.

Thanks.

I was thinking of going for a populated 10 way with future expansion in
mind!

I presume each manufacturer has a different standard, but do these
change very often?

"Adam Funk" wrote in message
...
On 2014-08-28, wrote:

On Thursday, August 28, 2014 11:26:42 PM UTC+1, Fredxxx wrote:
Currently just need 6 ways, though would like 2 or 3 spare for future
expansion. 100A incomer.

Hager have a good reputation. From TLC
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/HGVC108.html

On price however it is hard to beat the special deals on BG populated
units offered by Screwfix.

Do the populated units ever come with RCBOs? (Whenever I've seen
them, they've always had 2 RCDs & various subsidiary MCBs.)



And all with unsuitable values:-)

--
Adam

"Fredxxx" wrote in message
...
On 29/08/2014 13:00, Andrew Gabriel wrote:
In article ,
Fredxxx writes:
Currently just need 6 ways, though would like 2 or 3 spare for future
expansion. 100A incomer.

Would prefer to go with RCBOs for better fault discrimination.

Also easy to get, so perhaps Screwfix or Toolstation. Any other
suppliers where the man the other side of the counter isn't likely to
inhale between his teeth?

I would suggest you fully populate the spare ways (or at least buy
the parts to do so). They may no longer be available when you actually
want them. Take a stab at likey values.

Thanks.

I was thinking of going for a populated 10 way with future expansion in
mind!

I presume each manufacturer has a different standard, but do these change
very often?


Only when you need to buy a new RCBO or MCB for your CU. The change will
probably be a week before you want a new part;-)


Hager really have stood the test of time for providing RCBOs, MCBs and
anything else (time clocks, contactors etc) that you may wish to install in
one of their CUs. All the new gear fits the old CUs.

--
Adam

"Fredxxx" wrote in message
...
On 29/08/2014 06:21, ARW wrote:
"Fredxxx" wrote in message
...
Currently just need 6 ways, though would like 2 or 3 spare for future
expansion. 100A incomer.

Would prefer to go with RCBOs for better fault discrimination.

Also easy to get, so perhaps Screwfix or Toolstation. Any other
suppliers where the man the other side of the counter isn't likely to
inhale between his teeth?


For all RCBO installs you cannot beat

http://www.allaboutelectrics.co.uk/c...-6-rcbo-s.html


other sizes and RCBOs available from here

http://www.allaboutelectrics.co.uk/c...-6-rcbo-s.html


If you have a Denmans branch nearby they have the samething and will let
you choose the RCBOs you actually need.

Many thanks for the info.

The standard 8 way would have been ideal for me, but the height I have is
just over 200mm, and this consumer unit is spec'd on the Denman's website
as being 272mm high. It certainly looks very good value.

Are there any lower profile (height) ones you can recommend?


There is the problem. RCBOs need height. The BG CUs Owain mentioned are
pretty good for fitting RCBOs.

--
Adam

On 2014-09-02, ARW wrote:

"Adam Funk" wrote in message
...
On 2014-08-28, wrote:

On Thursday, August 28, 2014 11:26:42 PM UTC+1, Fredxxx wrote:
Currently just need 6 ways, though would like 2 or 3 spare for future
expansion. 100A incomer.

Hager have a good reputation. From TLC
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/HGVC108.html

On price however it is hard to beat the special deals on BG populated
units offered by Screwfix.

Do the populated units ever come with RCBOs? (Whenever I've seen
them, they've always had 2 RCDs & various subsidiary MCBs.)



And all with unsuitable values:-)

The ones they can't shift otherwise?

In article , ARW
wrote:
"Fredxxx" wrote in message
...
On 29/08/2014 13:00, Andrew Gabriel wrote:
In article , Fredxxx
writes:
Currently just need 6 ways, though would like 2 or 3 spare for future
expansion. 100A incomer.

Would prefer to go with RCBOs for better fault discrimination.

Also easy to get, so perhaps Screwfix or Toolstation. Any other
suppliers where the man the other side of the counter isn't likely to
inhale between his teeth?

I would suggest you fully populate the spare ways (or at least buy the
parts to do so). They may no longer be available when you actually
want them. Take a stab at likey values.

Thanks.

I was thinking of going for a populated 10 way with future expansion in
mind!

I presume each manufacturer has a different standard, but do these
change very often?


Only when you need to buy a new RCBO or MCB for your CU. The change will
probably be a week before you want a new part;-)


Hager really have stood the test of time for providing RCBOs, MCBs and
anything else (time clocks, contactors etc) that you may wish to install
in one of their CUs. All the new gear fits the old CUs.

but, when I wanted 2 metal cases (taking 4 modules) last year to match some
existing ones, they'd been discontinued

--
From KT24

Using a RISC OS computer running v5.18

In message , charles
writes

Only when you need to buy a new RCBO or MCB for your CU. The change will
probably be a week before you want a new part;-)


Hager really have stood the test of time for providing RCBOs, MCBs and
anything else (time clocks, contactors etc) that you may wish to install
in one of their CUs. All the new gear fits the old CUs.

but, when I wanted 2 metal cases (taking 4 modules) last year to match some
existing ones, they'd been discontinued

I was pleasantly surprised to find that Crabtree still supplied their
Starbreaker range, which was good when I replaced all my MCBs recently
with RCBOs. The original was 20+ years ol0+


--
Bill

On Tuesday, September 2, 2014 8:49:52 PM UTC+1, ARW wrote:
Do the populated units ever come with RCBOs? (Whenever I've seen
them, they've always had 2 RCDs & various subsidiary MCBs.)
And all with unsuitable values:-)

Nonono, your house just has unsuitable circuits :-)

Anyway you can always upgrade a 6A to a 20A breaker by putting a length of 15A fuse wire between the busbar and the load terminal and hiding it behind the din rail.

Owain

On 01/09/2014 21:14, Tim Watts wrote:
On 01/09/14 20:37, Adam Funk wrote:
On 2014-09-01, ARW wrote:

I rate MK above Hager for paying top money!

For sockets too? (I understand a lot of people swear the MK sockets
are better.)


I've found GET sockets are well built and I've had no problems with them
- even with ones with 2.5kW heaters running half the day.

Another vote for GET ultimate from TLC - nicely made - look kind of
MKish (slightly curved front - less of a dust trap on the top edge), big
terminals colour coded in old and new colours so easy to wire.

--
Cheers,

John.

/================================================== ===============\
| Internode Ltd - http://www.internode.co.uk |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
| John Rumm - john(at)internode(dot)co(dot)uk |
\================================================= ================/

On 03/09/2014 16:10, John Rumm wrote:
On 01/09/2014 21:14, Tim Watts wrote:
On 01/09/14 20:37, Adam Funk wrote:
On 2014-09-01, ARW wrote:

I rate MK above Hager for paying top money!

For sockets too? (I understand a lot of people swear the MK sockets
are better.)


I've found GET sockets are well built and I've had no problems with them
- even with ones with 2.5kW heaters running half the day.

Another vote for GET ultimate from TLC - nicely made - look kind of
MKish (slightly curved front - less of a dust trap on the top edge), big
terminals colour coded in old and new colours so easy to wire.

I couldn't see any GET consumer units on the TLC website!

"Adam Funk" wrote in message
...
On 2014-09-01, ARW wrote:

"John Rumm" wrote in message
o.uk...
On 28/08/2014 23:26, Fredxxx wrote:
Currently just need 6 ways, though would like 2 or 3 spare for future
expansion. 100A incomer.

Would prefer to go with RCBOs for better fault discrimination.

Also easy to get, so perhaps Screwfix or Toolstation. Any other
suppliers where the man the other side of the counter isn't likely to
inhale between his teeth?

TLC Direct - good in person or by mail order

Stick to a known brand to have a realistic chance of support into the
future. MK for decent and top money. Contactum for cheap but adequate,
Hager for middle ground and good range of options.


I rate Hager above MK for quality.

I rate MK above Hager for paying top money!

For sockets too? (I understand a lot of people swear the MK sockets
are better.)


I only fit CLICK white accessories (made by Scolmore) unless otherwise
instructed.

--
Adam

On 03/09/2014 16:44, Fredxxx wrote:
On 03/09/2014 16:10, John Rumm wrote:
On 01/09/2014 21:14, Tim Watts wrote:
On 01/09/14 20:37, Adam Funk wrote:
On 2014-09-01, ARW wrote:

I rate MK above Hager for paying top money!

For sockets too? (I understand a lot of people swear the MK sockets
are better.)


I've found GET sockets are well built and I've had no problems with them
- even with ones with 2.5kW heaters running half the day.

Another vote for GET ultimate from TLC - nicely made - look kind of
MKish (slightly curved front - less of a dust trap on the top edge), big
terminals colour coded in old and new colours so easy to wire.

I couldn't see any GET consumer units on the TLC website!

That's because we were talking sockets, not consumer units ;-)


--
Cheers,

John.

/================================================== ===============\
| Internode Ltd - http://www.internode.co.uk |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
| John Rumm - john(at)internode(dot)co(dot)uk |
\================================================= ================/

On Wed, 03 Sep 2014 16:44:40 +0100, Fredxxx wrote:

On 03/09/2014 16:10, John Rumm wrote:
On 01/09/2014 21:14, Tim Watts wrote:
On 01/09/14 20:37, Adam Funk wrote:
On 2014-09-01, ARW wrote:

I rate MK above Hager for paying top money!

For sockets too? (I understand a lot of people swear the MK sockets
are better.)


I've found GET sockets are well built and I've had no problems with them
- even with ones with 2.5kW heaters running half the day.

Another vote for GET ultimate from TLC - nicely made - look kind of
MKish (slightly curved front - less of a dust trap on the top edge), big
terminals colour coded in old and new colours so easy to wire.

I couldn't see any GET consumer units on the TLC website!

Beat me to it - though we perhaps should have been looking for sockets.
I don't like the 2-gang 13A sockets as the switches are 'conjoined' - no gap
between them.
--
Peter.
The gods will stay away
whilst religions hold sway

"PeterC" wrote in message
...
On Wed, 03 Sep 2014 16:44:40 +0100, Fredxxx wrote:

On 03/09/2014 16:10, John Rumm wrote:
On 01/09/2014 21:14, Tim Watts wrote:
On 01/09/14 20:37, Adam Funk wrote:
On 2014-09-01, ARW wrote:

I rate MK above Hager for paying top money!

For sockets too? (I understand a lot of people swear the MK sockets
are better.)


I've found GET sockets are well built and I've had no problems with
them
- even with ones with 2.5kW heaters running half the day.

Another vote for GET ultimate from TLC - nicely made - look kind of
MKish (slightly curved front - less of a dust trap on the top edge), big
terminals colour coded in old and new colours so easy to wire.

I couldn't see any GET consumer units on the TLC website!

Beat me to it - though we perhaps should have been looking for sockets.
I don't like the 2-gang 13A sockets as the switches are 'conjoined' - no
gap
between them.


Does anyone ever use the switches on switched sockets?. BTW MK and others
often do a range where the switches are located on the LHS and RHS of the
plate. Often speced for use in hospitals and clasroom computer rooms.

eg

http://www.ukelectricalsupplies.com/...rod/K2746T.jpg

--
Adam

On 03/09/14 16:44, Fredxxx wrote:
On 03/09/2014 16:10, John Rumm wrote:
On 01/09/2014 21:14, Tim Watts wrote:
On 01/09/14 20:37, Adam Funk wrote:
On 2014-09-01, ARW wrote:

I rate MK above Hager for paying top money!

For sockets too? (I understand a lot of people swear the MK sockets
are better.)


I've found GET sockets are well built and I've had no problems with them
- even with ones with 2.5kW heaters running half the day.

Another vote for GET ultimate from TLC - nicely made - look kind of
MKish (slightly curved front - less of a dust trap on the top edge), big
terminals colour coded in old and new colours so easy to wire.

I couldn't see any GET consumer units on the TLC website!

GET are part of Schneider Electric and Schneider also own Square-D and
Merlin Gerin so they're covered for distribution boxes (large and small).

http://www.schneider-electric.co.uk/...rands/get.page

Tim Watts wrote:

Fredxxx wrote:

I couldn't see any GET consumer units on the TLC website!

GET are part of Schneider Electric and Schneider also own Square-D and
Merlin Gerin

And Tower cable clips too (which B&Q seem to have stopped selling).

On Wed, 3 Sep 2014 18:13:23 +0100, ARW wrote:

Beat me to it - though we perhaps should have been looking for sockets.
I don't like the 2-gang 13A sockets as the switches are 'conjoined' - no
gap
between them.

Does anyone ever use the switches on switched sockets?. BTW MK and others
often do a range where the switches are located on the LHS and RHS of the
plate. Often speced for use in hospitals and clasroom computer rooms.

eg

http://www.ukelectricalsupplies.com/...rod/K2746T.jpg

I do. I like the gap as it gives a clear feel in addition to the visual
info.
I was tempted by the outboard rockers but am so used to the conventional
ones I just knew there'd be mistakes - PVR in the middle of recording!
--
Peter.
The gods will stay away
whilst religions hold sway

On 02/09/2014 20:49, ARW wrote:
"Adam Funk" wrote in message
...
On 2014-08-28, wrote:

On Thursday, August 28, 2014 11:26:42 PM UTC+1, Fredxxx wrote:
Currently just need 6 ways, though would like 2 or 3 spare for future
expansion. 100A incomer.

Hager have a good reputation. From TLC
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/HGVC108.html

On price however it is hard to beat the special deals on BG populated
units offered by Screwfix.

Do the populated units ever come with RCBOs? (Whenever I've seen
them, they've always had 2 RCDs & various subsidiary MCBs.)



And all with unsuitable values:-)

Well its one way of flogging the values that are sat on the shelf and
not moving ;-)


--
Cheers,

John.

/================================================== ===============\
| Internode Ltd - http://www.internode.co.uk |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
| John Rumm - john(at)internode(dot)co(dot)uk |
\================================================= ================/

On 2014-09-03, ARW wrote:

"PeterC" wrote in message

Beat me to it - though we perhaps should have been looking for sockets.
I don't like the 2-gang 13A sockets as the switches are 'conjoined' - no
gap
between them.


Does anyone ever use the switches on switched sockets?. BTW MK and others
often do a range where the switches are located on the LHS and RHS of the
plate. Often speced for use in hospitals and clasroom computer rooms.

I use the switches quite a bit, especially in the kitchen. I agree
that having the switches spaced farther apart is better.

On 05/09/14 09:16, Adam Funk wrote:
On 2014-09-03, ARW wrote:

"PeterC" wrote in message

Beat me to it - though we perhaps should have been looking for sockets.
I don't like the 2-gang 13A sockets as the switches are 'conjoined' - no
gap
between them.


Does anyone ever use the switches on switched sockets?. BTW MK and others
often do a range where the switches are located on the LHS and RHS of the
plate. Often speced for use in hospitals and clasroom computer rooms.

I use the switches quite a bit, especially in the kitchen. I agree
that having the switches spaced farther apart is better.


I usually use the switches - my motto is "if it doesn't need power,
don't power it" - less stuff to catch fire then...

I do leave TVs on standby though, mostly because teh sockets are round
the back an ICBA.