Questions about choosing RCBOs

Alk · Jun 4, 2019

Hello,

I have been reading the topics on this forum which have been very helpful.
I am looking to change my consumer unit to a full RCBO unit - I am not going to fit it myself, I am just trying to gather knowledge as to what is available so that I am informed as to choice.
I have gathered that Lewden, Hager and Wylex are respected brands on these forums. My local wholesaler also mirrored this by suggesting Lewden for price and Hager for a recognised brand.
I have also gathered that going for a Type A RCBO would be preferable to a Type AC. I note that Hager and Wylex compact RCBOs are Type A "by default" and that Lewden do make Type A RCBOs if you hunt for them.

I would be very grateful for some advice please in answer to the following questions:
1. As a Landlord, I would need to have a 5 year inspection test done and what I'm wondering is that Wylex's (and Crabtree's) compact RCBO has a switched neutral which they are marketing as making it cost-effecting/time saving for this inspection test. Is this switched neutral really that advantageous for this? Could a switched neutral be considered worth paying that much more for from Wylex? (versus Lewden for example)
1a. Similarly, from photographs of Hager's RCBOs online it has a sticker stating "IR test can be carried out at load terminals with device in OFF position". Whilst not switched neutral, does the Hager provide a similar advantage in testing to the Wylex RCBO then?
2. Say I wanted to add more RCBOs in 5+ years time, what could be the likelihood that I could still obtain the RCBOs for Lewden, Hager or Wylex?

Thank you very much for your advice.

Charlie_ · Jun 4, 2019

Seen a lovely looking Eris display as I walked in to Yess for a coffee today..
Anybody used that stuff yet?

Risteard · Jun 4, 2019

It's Hager for me. Not a fan of single pole RCBOs though. Hager do make others though, but these won't fit a UK-style single phase DB.

Octopus · Jun 4, 2019

The 5 year inspection rather depends on the inspectors thoughts and the state of the installation.

I’ve given a 1 year retest period once ....

MJPD29 · Jun 4, 2019

Charlie_ said:
Seen a lovely looking Eris display as I walked in to Yess for a coffee today..
Anybody used that stuff yet?

I used a few isolators, felt like decent quality. Also fitted 2 metal clad switch fuses, they were not so good. Cover didn't fit properly and the fuse carrier felt weak and flimsy

MJPD29 · Jun 4, 2019

Also, wylex would be my choice out of them. Chances of hager or wylex fitting in 5 years is also high, the better brands are usually quite good at keeping them matching. Especially hager

Alk · Jun 4, 2019

Thank you to everyone with their information so far.
Regarding my first question:
If I quote Wylex's/Crabtree's marketing for their RCBO:

Wylex RCBOs go one step further, they have switched neutral built in as standard, live and neutral conductors do not have to be disconnected for insulation resistance testing. This saves time and money, particularly for responsible landlords who regularly test installations during occupancy voids.

To me, that all sounds very helpful for an Electrician doing the work, verses the usual method of disconnecting the wires, but practically, would this switched neutral RCBO therefore save a lot of time when testing 5 circuits?
How much time (approximately) are we talking here in saving please?

mhar · Jun 5, 2019

I use SBS Live units in rentals/holiday cottages as a first choice. Single module double pole rcbos and very good value. However only sold to bona fide electricians

Octopus · Jun 5, 2019

Alk said:
How much time (approximately) are we talking here in saving please?

A few minutes maybe?

Dobes_88 · Jun 5, 2019

Use the Wylex miniature RCBO's myself and find them to be brilliant with no issues, have tried the Hager reduced RCBO's but prefer the Wylex boards - personal opinion!

Where a client wants to save a little on cost I'd fit Contactum which are similarly priced to Lewden.

Wilko · Jun 5, 2019

Another vote for Wylex DP rcbo from me too

.

Alk · Jun 5, 2019

Thanks @Murdoch.

In answer to my question 1a. regarding Hager's compact RCBO - let me provide a photo first to explain:

[ElectriciansForums.net] Questions about choosing RCBOs

The sticker says ""IR test can be carried out at load terminals with device in OFF position" and it has printed on the RCBO "IR TEST HERE".

I contacted Hager technical support for clarity. They said that I am correct in my understanding; you do not need to disconnect the conductors to do an IR test, just switch the RCBO to off. Whilst I confirmed with them that it is not a switched neutral RCBO, you can do an IR test without disconnecting the wires, the same as you can with Wylex.
I think that this may be a new feature with Hager's compact RCBO? - as not all of the photos online have these markings - so you can probably only do it with those that have "IR TEST HERE" printed on the RCBO.

So that's rather interesting...time and effort saved all round for both brands then.

I've been giving it some thought and I have another question I'd be grateful for advice on please: does anyone know of any "rounded corners" consumer units?
Basically, I don't want to hit my head on the sharp corners as the unit is at the same height. The only ones that I can find with rounded corners are: BG, Wylex NMX and Schneider Electric easy9.
The Hager Design 30 still has sharp corners by the looks of things, it isn't rounded.
I was wondering if there were any others that anyone knew of please?
Thank you very much.