17th or RCBO DB?

ash_s3 · Dec 28, 2014

Just wondered what people's thoughts are on this.

Got a nice little board change to do, appeared to be your usual Wylex 3036 6 way, but the property only has 3 circuits Cooker, Ring final, and Lights (1bed flat)

Would you install a small split load 17th board like a 6 way BG (3+3) or go with a main switch enclosure with RCBOs? Cost is about the same, maybe RCBO option a few quid more.

Im swaying towards the RCBO option but it makes future upgrades more costly with the price of RCBOs over MCBs.

Cheers

Risteard · Dec 28, 2014

uksparks said:
Not once has an RCD tripped on me when a bulb blows, think about it, the bulb only uses Live and Neutral....

Believe it or not I have had an RCCB trip in my house when a lamp blew.

Guest125 · Dec 28, 2014

uksparks said:
You say it in a way that it comes across like its a pain in the --- putting it on an RCD? surely if you are testing the circuit properly as you should then why not just bung it on an RCD? Its either a compliant circuit or its not.

Usually its the OCPD that trips due to the in-rush causing an overload, but i'll let you off. Not once has an RCD tripped on me when a bulb blows, think about it, the bulb only uses Live and Neutral....

I don't know, I don't say RCD everything and I am not lazy, but if I am changing a board, everything will end up RCD protected... as I either do 17th split or high integrity.

But it equally important is to split the circuits in such a way that limits disruption to the end user. Just chucking everything onto RCD especially if it is a split load just puts more potential of a fault taking out half the installation. But that is domestic sparks for you.

uksparks · Dec 28, 2014

I dare say it happens, but not one I am familiar with.

uksparks · Dec 28, 2014

UKESRail said:
But that is domestic sparks for you.

What are you then?

Guest125 · Dec 28, 2014

andyelectric said:
Clearly UKESRail is a windup.

Please do not get me wrong. I fully understand that 9/10 all domestic circuits will end up RCD protected. It just frustrates me when sparks just say RCD everything with no thought into it.

Guest125 · Dec 28, 2014

uksparks said:
What are you then?

Done it all mate. Domestic, new build, schools, commercial, industrial, railways

trev · Dec 28, 2014

andyelectric said:
Clearly UKESRail is a windup.

I don't think he is Andy.

uksparks · Dec 28, 2014

UKESRail said:
But it equally important is to split the circuits in such a way that limits disruption to the end user. Just chucking everything onto RCD especially if it is a split load just puts more potential of a fault taking out half the installation.

Yes but as others have said, if you split it correctly, it will limit disruption, surely its better to have some lights go off than a melted drill bit or flat on your back is it not?

See a couple of examples of my work below, you will see how its split, these are just board changes.

[ElectriciansForums.net] 17th or RCBO DB?

uksparks · Dec 28, 2014

UKESRail said:
Please do not get me wrong. I fully understand that 9/10 all domestic circuits will end up RCD protected. It just frustrates me when sparks just say RCD everything with no thought into it.

It really does sound like you are trying to find ways not to protect things with an RCD / RCBO

uksparks · Dec 28, 2014

UKESRail said:
Done it all mate. Domestic, new build, schools, commercial, industrial, railways

What are you doing now then? With that vast and varied range you have worked in, you should be rather clued up.

Guest125 · Dec 28, 2014

uksparks said:
It really does sound like you are trying to find ways not to protect things with an RCD / RCBO

My only point is I will only RCD protect circuits that need it. I won't for circuits that do not. I have removed many RCDs from circuits before now because they were installed on circuits that don't require it and were develope nuisance tripping issues. Circuit tested fine. But still tripping. Solution - remove the unnecessary RCD.

Guest125 · Dec 28, 2014

uksparks said:
What are you doing now then? With that vast and varied range you have worked in, you should be rather clued up.

I am the MD of a railway electrical company. Love my game mate. Absolutely love it.

guest119 · Dec 29, 2014

Hornby ? :29:Sorry, couldnt resist it.

shanky887614 · Dec 29, 2014

UKESRail said:
My only point is I will only RCD protect circuits that need it. I won't for circuits that do not. I have removed many RCDs from circuits before now because they were installed on circuits that don't require it and were develope nuisance tripping issues. Circuit tested fine. But still tripping. Solution - remove the unnecessary RCD.

you will laugh.

picture this an ahu in a plantroom, fed from singles in trunking all supplied from a 3ph board with rcd main switch WHY?

Guest112 · Dec 29, 2014

UKESRail fair play from what I've seen/read so far I'm a fan and can only anticipate more and more common sense and good posts from yourself nice to see a good new face on here

atb mate