Distribution Board on a Ring Main.

[Coffeemad]

Whilst working in a new customers house recently I came across a Distribution Board fed by the upstairs ringmain. It has 2 x 2.5 T&E's feeding it, I've checked it is on the ring by switching the ring off, disconnecting the feeds and testing for ring continuity. I am not going any further with it as it is not part of my contract with the client. I was brought in to check and test circuits affected by a burst pipe.

It feeds the lights in the tank room, a water softner, and some bathroom LV lights on the floor below (3 storey house) I've remarked the circuits as they where wrong, but otherwise the load is ok. There are 4 other MCB's in the board, but they are spares.

The question I have is "is it something you would install"? To me it seems similar to installing 3 x FCU's, but a lot more expensive! Personally its not a route I would go, but it would be interesting to hear my fellow sparkies views

 

[kmcgold]

no i wouldn't
just list it on your report

 

[Geordie Spark]

<< The question I have is "is it something you would install"? To me it seems similar to installing 3 x FCU's, but a lot more expensive! >>

It isn't expensive at all - if the CU was on the spark's van because it's one he's replaced on a previous job

Not sure if I would do it though!!!

 

[Deleted member 26818]

There is nothing in BS7671 prohibiting the use of a RFC as a distribution circuit.
Might cause problems with high Zs.
Obviously the bathroom lights will have to have RCD protection somewhere.

 

[malcolmsanford]

To be honest it's not the greatest of installs and I would always try not to install an enclosure as a FCU. With an FCU the largest fuse you can fit is a 13amp and that would pretty much cover any size cable you would spur off your ring final circuit, excluding bell wire.

The trouble with this is say in a years time someone wants to install a 7.5kw shower in that bathroom and like most clients they associate showers and plumbers. our part scope plumber quotes the job and thinks that is handy there is a board just above with spare ways. As we know if that Ring is protected by a 32amp breaker or fuse it will hold, and your going to wind up with a shower being fed of a ring final circuit.

IMO I would as you have done leave it but advise the client that it should be removed and if you want fit a smaller enclosure example a 4 way and to ensure that there is no possiblitly of extras can be added a switch, a main 20amp RCBO and 3 6amp MCBs