dist board change

[heathelect]

Got to change a 3 phase, 24 way dist board that feeds a few small offices and a small distribution area, the existing old board (dorman smith) has no rcbos fitted to socket circuits just old type mcbs. Question is under the 17th do in need to fit rcbos to rings feeding office sockets (computers plugged in) + other small office equipment ? or can it be classed as a dedicated circuit used by "competent persons" and therefore be protected by an mcb ? wiring to these rings is in ceiling voids and 100mm studding, nothing buried in plaster or less than 50mm from the surface. your thoughts would be appreciated, thanks dave.

 

[montybaber]

Bit of a can of worms here but I would say that you could wire with MCB's with no rcd prot due to it being commercial and supervised by competent persons etc

 

[PAUL M]

Only if everyone who works in the office is an electrician.

 

[heathelect]

only if everyone who works in the office is an electrician.

sorry no electricians there, only me

 

[KNIPEX]

defo rcbo mate, you cant call office staff competent people, the risk is still there.

will be an expensive job.

 

[heathelect]

defo rcbo mate, you cant call office staff competent people, the risk is still there.

Will be an expensive job.

i think youre right just wanted to reduce cost by fitting mcbs instead of rcbos.

By the way theyve been quoted 2K + vat to replace board by the company who did a periodic, do you think if i charge 1.8k it would be too cheap ?

 

[Spudnik]

If there are a lot of computers etc on a circuit then RCD/RCBO is going to cause no end of problems due to earth leakage.

 

[heathelect]

If there are a lot of computers etc on a circuit then RCD/RCBO is going to cause no end of problems due to earth leakage.

yeh thats one reason why i wanted to fit mcbs to these ccts, thanks mate

 

[Spudmiester]

Just done one the same (almost).

Pulled out old 36 way BILL deathtrap and fitted new PROTEUS board.

Now, I dont like proteus as a rule, but it was the cheapest way I could do it. Stuff like MERLIN GERIN was just too expensive.

None of the circuits were marked up, so put everything that was a ring or radial on RCBO's just in case. (apart from lights)

I quoted £1200.00+ VAT

Some may say its too cheap, but I have got the remedial works and testing to do so all in all I thought it was ok.

 

[aaronstuart]

what about considering rcd socket fronts or is there too many?

 

[heathelect]

what about considering rcd socket fronts or is there too many?

ta for that idea mate, but theres more sockets than circuits so would be too costly, but thats a good alternative, cheers dave