Sure but what one of the electricans said to me is its one thing finding one that may fit but RCBOs are absolute pain to install and work with due to high risk of tripping and they simply wouldn't touch RCBOs because they have too many issues down the line.
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Discuss EICR Unsatisfactory - New Property in the Periodic Inspection Reporting & Certification area at ElectriciansForums.net
Sure but what one of the electricans said to me is its one thing finding one that may fit but RCBOs are absolute pain to install and work with due to high risk of tripping and they simply wouldn't touch RCBOs because they have too many issues down the line.
Get another electrician, they are just trying to make it easier for themselves.
Sorry. They are talking complete rubbish.
What they mean is that it's a higher value job with more profit to change the entire board, and they don't care what is best for you financially, your decorations, or your installation.
RCBOs actually lower the risk of tripping! The regs themselves recommend their use to help limit unwanted tripping.
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This is awful that so called professional electricians can treat customers like that.
I bet every sparks in the area confer with each other on what to say to people.
I was always told a good EICR inspector needs knowledge, understanding and experience…..
A fresh out-the-college 22 year old, for example, does not have the third part there.
I bet every sparks in the area confer with each other on what to say to people.
I was always told a good EICR inspector needs knowledge, understanding and experience…..
A fresh out-the-college 22 year old, for example, does not have the third part there.
Absolute con artist unfortunately.
I despair at some of the individuals claiming to be electricians in our trade these days.
Because they want to charge you for a full board change and/or are incompetent.
What's given you this idea? Anyone can look inside their unit as long as they follow some basic safety principles like don't touch anything inside.
You don't need to open it up. Starbreaker RCBOs are the only ones that fit, you need the compact version as the taller ones are difficult to fit.
N
nicebutdim
Not only do they fit, these RCBOs are made specifically for that board.
There's only one of two reasons why an "electrician" would claim Starbreaker components won't fit Starbreaker boards and neither are desirable qualities in an electrician: incompetence or dishonesty.
It's pretty (very) odd that 3 electricians have said this, I.e exactly the same thing. I do think it's good to keep an open mind. There is the chance that the OP is missing out some other information, so we're missing the bigger picture.
I know that's sounding a bit airy fairy, but it just seems so odd that 3 electricians have said the same thing.
I know that's sounding a bit airy fairy, but it just seems so odd that 3 electricians have said the same thing.
Blimey, please don't open up your consumer unit @AjayS2367
N
nicebutdim
Take a look at the regulations quoted by the inspecting electrician, who declined to elaborate on the problems allegedly identified.
For all socket-outlets of rating 32A or less, unless an exception is permitted (411.3.3) is in a potentially dangerous condition. Urgent remedial action is required. C2
For the supply of mobile equipment not exceeding 32A rating for use outdoors (411.3.3) is in a potentially dangerous condition. Urgent remedial action is required. C2
From image provided of distribution board, the circuits quoted above both appear to be RCD protected. I don't think any electrician should consider it unreasonable for a customer to ask for clarification of the above comments.
Maybe I'm missing something on the subject of upgrades to existing board, but I'm not aware of any Starbreaker boards that don't use a plug-in live busbar to which RCBOs & AFDDs in current manufacture can not be fitted. If such a board existed, I'm fairly certain @westward10 would have raised that point.
It's quite likely the OP is missing certain information, but that would mostly be due to the fact that the inspector has declined to provide a simple, plain English explanation for coding. Can you imagine taking that stance with one of your customers?
I'm not telling them to open it, just commenting on the idea that somehow you need to be qualified to take the lid off your unit.
They definately advised me the information as mentioned here. I know it sounds odd but I wouldn't of posted here otherwise. I have spoken to another sparks and he advised it could be done but the circuits need to be tested first as MCBs could trip RCBOs and so circuits definately have to be tested first and then advising if it can be done. I am currently looking into this once he quote for testing.
Regarding opening the MCU, I have opened the outer transparent lid many times but it has no model number specified, I was referring to removing the two screws that hold the front face of the box and whether the model or serial no is inside.
You do not need to know the model or serial No, Westwood 10 already advised you that the compact Starbreaker RSBO's will fit, your electricians are not competent at best or trying to con you at worst.
The EICR you posted shows a set of test results, which implies the relevant circuits have already been tested. However there are some discrepancies in the test sheets compared to what is actually installed, so I would be reluctant to believe the previous results. It is not unknown for them to be made up.
NB: It makes no difference whether fitting RCBOs or a new dual RCD board, the required tests are the same.
Sounds reasonable and is what I would do. I wouldn't fit based on someone else's results and would insist I test it myself.
You don't have to be qualified to do that, but you dont have to do that to find out compatibility. Just the name of the breakers that fit the current board will suffice, any good wholesaler will know.
Have a look at post No1 the CU is inscribed "Crabtree Starbreaker" The OP has been advised at least twice that the compact Starbreaker RCBO's will fit.
So an update, I spoke to another electrician who was a lot more helpful then the previous ones. He would be able to change the MCBs to RCBOs, however he said he will want to take out the current RCD for the sockets so 6 RCBOs instead of 4. I'm not sure the exact reason why as it was too technical for me but I do recall he said it would be a lot easier in case the tenant experiences any issues with anything tripping having RCBO circuit breaker for the sockets is easier so he will replace with 6 RCBOs. He does prefer to change the whole board for a new one but did say the wall around the board will have minor alterations as the size of the new board will be different. He said he can't confirm for sure these RCBOs are the correct ones but he seems to think they look right but did echo the fact these units were never designed for RCBOs when they were built but it should work. He will charge £200 to replace and test the circuits plus material costs on top. Technically can all 6 RCBOS be 32A rated in our consumer unit rather than 20A as suggested in one of the posts earlier? 32 Amp 30mA RCBO - Crabtree Starbreaker (Type A) B Curve (compact) | Crabtree (61/BM3230) - https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/CB61slashBM3230.html
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nicebutdim
The proposal seems reasonable and will require some minor alterations: new busbar and link between neutral bars.
While the board was not originally designed for use with RCBOs, those which you have linked are pretty much the same size as currently installed MCBs and fit in exactly the same manner and, crucially, have been designed by the manufacturer with retro fitting in mind.
A new board is always an option, but it's unlikely that any replacement will offer decades of replacement parts as has been the case with Crabtree's starbreaker range.
Edit: all 6 breakers will not be rated at 32A. Your electrician will most likely replace each device the same rating currently fitted to the respective circuits.
While the board was not originally designed for use with RCBOs, those which you have linked are pretty much the same size as currently installed MCBs and fit in exactly the same manner and, crucially, have been designed by the manufacturer with retro fitting in mind.
A new board is always an option, but it's unlikely that any replacement will offer decades of replacement parts as has been the case with Crabtree's starbreaker range.
Edit: all 6 breakers will not be rated at 32A. Your electrician will most likely replace each device the same rating currently fitted to the respective circuits.
Those are the correct RCBOs but the existing split load RCD cannot be altered, it plugs to the busbar track. Probably doesn't matter as the two 32As can be shifted to the left as I assume the blanked off points are spare ways. Alternatively leave the 32As where they are.
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Many thanks. I will update once the work is done but I had two questions if I may. 1. The electrician sais I can source the parts, a new busbar has been suggested here, would anyone know which one and type is the correct one as Crabtree do many and the link between the neutral bars would the electricans normally carry the relevant parts for this? I have attached image from their brochure and 2. Even with the new busbar for the new RCBOs, would the current existing circuits fit on it? e.g. main switch, test button etc.?
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Howcomes you're asking us this and not him?
These electricians keep saying unusual things. Almost as if.........
Apologises I didn't make it clearer in my last post, he advised that can't confirm for sure over the phone what parts are required until on site but he will charge for the initial visit and ascertain including testing. He said I can purchase the parts myself but if he visits the place and they dont work he will charge for his time. I trust the above info is correct so I rather buy them myself because just for visiting they can as you know charge a lot for call outs.
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Sockets will probably be ok on one, a little inconvenient in the event of a fault though, I'd probably like a 7th rcbo in. Wonder if hes linked...
There is one reason to have an inspection every three years instead of the five.
It’s more work and money for them 😁😁
I’d be more concerned about those blanking clips on the main CU.
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