Can you protect an 3036 board with an external RCD?

[LlandrilloSpark]

Hi, Is it possible to protect a whole BS3036 board with an RCD?

I know that you can put one in a single module enclosue next to the board, but can you protect the whole board?, its just the wiring configuration im not sure about, do you have to split the supply in a henley block, or just route from the meter to the new RCD then back to the main switch, or bypass the main switch and use the rcd?, I know how to do individual circuits but not the whole board?

Personally if it was my job i would install a whole new board and breakers but its not, a mate asked me this morning

 

[Guest123]

Not really no.

It would contravene the reg "minimising disruption in the event of a fault" in that a fault on any circuit would cause all circuits to be lost. Having said that all protected is better than none protetcted.

Also as it is an old 3036 board, is there any bonding present???

I too would reccomend a CU upgrade

 

[LlandrilloSpark]

Thanks Lenny, I honestly do not know about the bonding as I have not seen the job, It is not a job i would do, I recommended a new 17th split load board as it wont cost must more, but its not my job and apparently my mates customer wont go for the new board which is strange as it is only 8 ways and you could get the board and breakers for well under £100

 

[eddielarge]

Why is you mate taking instructions from the customer,, if it needs a new board then he should tell them that.

Do it the right way or not at all, i hate penny pinching customers who want you to lower your standards just so they can get a cheaper job.

 

[LlandrilloSpark]

I have no idea?, To my mind going thru the hastle of attempting to protect the install via an external RCD would not be to much cheaper than a new split board, but like i said..not my job and not my customer and i would try my best to convince customer, and mate is very inexperienced

 

[Guest123]

and mate is very inexperienced

Would he think of checking for existing N-E faults before putting the RCD in???

 

[LlandrilloSpark]

Would he think of checking for existing N-E faults before putting the RCD in???

I doubt it, Ive told him to hang fire with it untill i can help out or just dont do the job

 

[baldsparkies]

He could well end up running backwards and forwards, sorting out nuisance tripping problems. And that kind of customer ie penny pinchers are the sort who say " It was fine before you messed with it, never had these problems before, I want compensation for the inconveniance you have caused me".

 

[TPES]

Not really no.

It would contravene the reg "minimising disruption in the event of a fault" in that a fault on any circuit would cause all circuits to be lost.

What code would you give on a PIR with a CU thats has an RCD as a main switch? 4?

 

[rodney12]

yes i'd give it a 4

 

[baldsparkies]

What code would you give on a PIR with a CU thats has an RCD as a main switch? 4?

Code 4 for non compliance with regulation 531.2.9 I would say. But does it comply with th 18th edition.

18th Edition IEE Wiring Regulations

 

[andekoch]

I used ot give these a code 4 but have been giving them code 2 after speaking to the NIC. I also look at th einstallation as a whole and if everything else is very good (insulation resistance, no dodgy diy etc) then give it a code 4 but is anything looks like it is ettign on in years eg grey sheath with red and black cable, lowish insul resistance values (say below 20Meg) I give it a code 2.

 

[TPES]

Why's that then? What difference would it make, code 4 no matter what wouldn't it?

 

[wattsup]

No big deal, install an el next to cu, cellar/garage, cost £8 (cover in price for rcd protection, add it as a favour no charge) ...If that is what he wants then do it, point out the pitfalls.
Even if split load/rcds still a nuisance, still have to go to cu to reset.
What's the hysteria? Just do it..no problem?