db main sw rcd protection

[vincef]

Hi, i have a 3p merlin gerin multi 9 dis board, which has 16 circuits all used to supply elec panel heaters, there is no rcd protection, rather than fit 16 x rcbo's, i would like to fit an rcd protected main sw, does any one know the correct name for a rcd protected main sw? is it a rccb?

 

[Guest123]

Can I ask why you want to fit RCD protection to these circuits.....do they feed socket outlets for the heaters, are the cables buried in the wall, unprotected, is it TT???

If they do need it, just ask for a 4 pole RCD of the appropriate mA rating.

 

[vincef]

There are 5 x socket outlets on one 3p board with no rcd protection, which i will be qouting to install rcbo's, as the board powers lights & sockets. The other 3p board only powers elec panel heaters, the heaters are fed from sw fcus, the cables are not burried in the wall unprotected & the installation is not TT, but I thought it would a gd idea to rcd proctect the heaters as well, do you not agree? I appreciate the feed back as i am still gaining experience!

 

[Guest123]

The issue with installing an RCD main switch is a single fault on 1 circuit will effect ALL circuits.

If the heater circuits do not need RCD protection, don't install it.

RCBO's for general use S/O's is fine.


Have a look at 411.3.3 & 522.6.103 in BGB.



What type of location are we talking here???

 

[Rockingit]

By what you've just said, there doesn't sound like there is a need for RCD protection by the BGB. There is no specific need to retro-fit work to bring it up to current standard if if was compliant before, and the method you describe would meet 17th anyway.

UNLESS - there is some other environmental influence or something which you have identified which could place a SPECIFIC danger by NOT having those circuits RCD protected.

Panel heaters on RCD's can be a real pain, anyway!!!

 

[netblindpaul]

This sounds like a commercial/industrial install, in which case there may not be any need for RCD protection for ANY circuits.

A little more info on the exact situation is needed I think.

Given the choice I will not fit an RCD to any circuit if it is not an explicit requirement of the regulations or other specification.

 

[vincef]

The location is a large distribution warehouse 1st flr open plan office, Thanks for the feed back, i will leave the heaters alone. I came across the no rcd protection on a socket outlet circuit whilst repairing a smashed socket, i found a further 4 socket outlet circuits with no rcd protection, so i will now only qoute to install 5 rcbo's to the socket outlet circuits

 

[netblindpaul]

vincef,
Why do you want to install RCBO's?
What if the circuits are supplying IT equipment with high leakage currents?