Main isolator replaced with RCD

Paulellis9696 · May 20, 2021

A POST FOR DISCUSSION

An EICR in my rented flat concluded that an RCD was required among a few other small jobs. I was away while the remedials were carried out but these photo are of the work which was done.

The double pole main isolator was removed and replaced with the 80A RCD and among other problems with the jobs they did, the neutral from the RCD had never been tightened up so they did no testing either.

There's a few things in the photo that jump out to me but I'd just like to hear your thoughts on what they've done.

westward10 · May 20, 2021

That rcd is not compatible for that consumer unit and should not have been fitted. The left side cover fixing is also broken unless my eyes deceive me.

snowhead · May 20, 2021

Bet it's bit tight where the Neutral passes the cut off Busbar.

As Westward the cover screw fixing looks broken off.

Left side

[ElectriciansForums.net] Main isolator replaced with RCD

Right side

westward10 · May 20, 2021

The busbar shield is also missing MK ones slide under the clips of the back box and cover the bar they don't physically touch it.

Dustydazzler · May 20, 2021

Cricky that N can only be a millimetre or two from the live busbar

brianmoooore · May 20, 2021

As above. That RCD doesn't fit. The RCD is being twisted up and the MCBs are being twisted down, and the cover will not fit on properly.
Why on earth didn't they scratch off the printed L and N at the top of the RCD and connect it with neaureal on the left and live o the right. Three must be a VERY tight clearance where the busbar passes the neutral at the bottom, fused only by the DNO cut out.

hasel5 · May 20, 2021

That is real rough tbh and why Iam glad I don't have to deal with contracting anymore absolute pile of garbage

westward10 · May 20, 2021

When fitted to the correct Wylex board it is a different orientation.

James · May 20, 2021

It’s not a good job, have you received an installation certificate?

brianmoooore · May 20, 2021

It's not a good job at all. Even if a correctly fitting RCD had been sourced and fitted, it's still very poor practice to have the whole flat on a single RCD. A neutral -earth fault will leave the tenant with no electricity at all.
I'm intrigued as to why? There's plenty of examples on here of CU's being condemned and replaced unnecessarily, but with this one, there are reasons for a replacement, but the electrician has chosen to bodge. This is the kind of solution I'd expect from a DIYer, trying to save their cash.

Dustydazzler · May 20, 2021

Such a shame the plumber butchered that board by fitting a wylex rcd and snapping off the left lid screw.
the original board with the original main switch was a nice job who ever first installed it

Dustydazzler · May 20, 2021

First job tomorrow rip that wylex rcd out and put this back in

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brianmoooore · May 20, 2021

That will just swap the C2 that is the board now for the C2s on the EICR. Back to square one.

pc1966 · May 20, 2021

Why, why, why? It is 2 pole in and out, why cross over the N & L just because it has them on the box?

As above, having the compatible part would help a lot:

80 Amp 30mA 2 Pole RCD (Type AC) - MK Sentry | MK_Sentry (H7880S)

timhoward · May 20, 2021

Flipping heck. That's rough as a badgers ar.....

James said:
have you received an installation certificate?

Only someone totally ill-informed about the dangers of what they have done or someone completely stupid would put their name to that.....surely!

timhoward · May 20, 2021

brianmoooore said:
That will just swap the C2 that is the board now for the C2s on the EICR. Back to square one.

I was thinking this, an EICR and remedials that likely leaves behind more codes than they started with.
Nuts.

telectrix · May 21, 2021

in a word..... CRAP.

Rockingit · May 21, 2021

They've almost certainly made the problem worse, not better. If this was instructed by a letting agent or landlord then I'd be demanding a second EICR - by someone else - and telling them not to pay the bill!

Dartlec · May 21, 2021

RCBOs are still available for MK boards anyway, even from the old stock (Type A ones available now from some places even) - so even if they were desperate not to change the board, they were options.

This screams Cheap EICR, carry out as many quick remedials as possible and overcharge, then run....

I'd be interested to see the EIC for this work - or indeed the "satisfactory" EICR that resulted....

Gavin John Hyde · May 21, 2021

Plenty of stock fo RCBOS out there, prior to honeywell stopping their own MK production they put 10 years worth of stock in a warehouse in case of warranty claims - gather the legal folk made them.
Circpro now make the MK stuff. there is also plenty of rcbos from reliable sellers online tested and as good as new. I often source them for ev charger installs.

GBDamo · May 22, 2021

There is a few hours work difference between swapping that board out and swapping for RCBOs. I'd strongly be recommending a new board.

(I'd rather put a low end, new but compiant board in that try to resurrect that. A fuseBox board, with SPD, can be got for £70, then £10/RCBO total £140)

It has knackered fixings and has been butchered.

I wouldn't want my name on it as the last person to touch it even if it was returned to OEM configuration.

I guess it all comes down to what the customer will pay for but a proper job is not a mile off a bodge.