Consumer unit replacement

[Araman]

I have my first NICEIC inspection in about 6 weeks time and I have elected to replace a 1960's cu with an up to date unit.

Because of physical restrictions on site the only unit I can find that will fit without practically re-building the house is a Protek 7 way unit. It is IP40 and is RCD protected. My question is simply will the inspector accept this or will he expect the unit to be labelled split load 17th edition?

Any advice gratefully received.

Araman

 

[truckster]

He will be looking for more than one RCD.

 

[malcolmsanford]

On an assement he will pull you up on Regulation 314.1 regarding division of the installation and the use of just the one RCD.

You could adapt the board if you wished, ie remove the main double switch and fit another RCD in it's place but then you may not have 2 neutral bars for this and it will be more work that it is worth.

You could fit the board and split a lighting circuit and a socket circuit by the use of RCBO's a little more expensive but perhaps a better way to go.

 

[DurhamSparky]

Because of physical restrictions on site the only unit I can find that will fit without practically re-building the house is a Protek 7 way unit.

FIT RCBO's!!!!

you can get them cheap on Meteorelectrical.co.uk for about £12 each.... it works out same price as a slit RCD unit!

 

[Araman]

Thanks to all you people for replying and I take on board your suggestions.

You will all think me a complete idiot but over a glass or two of cider I finally realised that a cu does not have to be fitted horizontally and if I turn it through 90 degrees I can fit a split load board in.

I am duly ashamed of myself.

 

[diditrain]

Make sure you maintain the IP rating on the top of the C/U or is it the side

 

[steamboatwilly]

I'd go for a small CU with RCBOs. MK do a natty little 6-way dual RCD board and I've used those a few times. I get loads of restricted space CU changes.