MCB or RCBO

[MerlinGremlin]

Got sent to a job today for an outside lighting issue, basically to cut a long story short I'm taking the new supply from a different DB so will be installing a new circuit to feed the time clock, so I put down for a Type C 20amp RCBO as the lights are wired in 2.5mm cable and LED floods. I got a phone call from my Manager to ask why I was putting an RCBO in and that it only needed to be an MCB, so after a heated discussion I was told that it will be an MCB going in not a an RCBO.
My argument was that as I'm installing a new supply it has to be compliant to currents regs so an RCBO was required. If I'm wrong can someone please tell me why and if anyone knows what reg states it needs to be protected by an RCBO could they post it on here as I'm about to drive so won't be able to look it up until I get in tonight. Thanks

 

[telectrix]

a few years ago, i was installing in a new build infants school. sockets were RCD, lights not.(16th ed.) i fitted a RCBO to the cooker circuit. boss grumbled and insisted the RCBO was replaced with a MCB. he was right as regards the regs. but my argument was that young kids might be poking around with kitchen tools, so i opted for RCBO.

 

[buzzlightyear]

It's clipped direct for about 30 cm then goes into some trunking and outside

how high are the led flood lights .

 

[Octopus]

Back to the OP - who spec'ed the job and had a price been agreed with the client?

 

[MerlinGremlin]

These fittings are on an outside of a pub, they had been installed a couple of weeks ago but the supply side hadn't been checked by the spark doing the job, don't ask me why or for what reason, I just seem to get sent to all the crappy jobs to sort them out, personally myself I'd put them on an RCBO for added protection due to being outside, possible chance of cable damage and the fact it's a new circuit.

 

[Octopus]

These fittings are on an outside of a pub, they had been installed a couple of weeks ago but the supply side hadn't been checked by the spark doing the job, don't ask me why or for what reason, I just seem to get sent to all the crappy jobs to sort them out, personally myself I'd put them on an RCBO for added protection due to being outside, possible chance of cable damage and the fact it's a new circuit.

What "direction" were you given? Were you aware of what the customer had agreed to be done and for how much?

 

[LankyWill]

I'm with the op on this one, id fit an rcbo in this instance as with it being a pub the internal wiring is probably a right mess. The external aspect is also a major part to play. May not be 'regs' but above and beyond never hurt anyone. Tell the tyrant to come and fit it himself he won't mind paying the extra £10 then

 

[MerlinGremlin]

No, I just got sent to sort it out, I don't deal with the cost or what had been agreed

 

[gazdkw82]

It doesn't state in the regs an rcbo is needed. So fitting one is personal preference as previously mentioned.

The key thing is, your not in a position to pick your own personal preferred pieces of equipment. That's a decision for the boss

 

[westward10]

Move on from it I wouldn't be losing sleep over it. Fitting of an rcd or rcbo in TN installations is for "additional" protection as required by BS7671, from what you say the fitting of an rcd would not be performing any of these prescribed requirements.

 

[Des 56]

No, I just got sent to sort it out, I don't deal with the cost or what had been agreed

I see no issue providing additional protection (if you are in a position to make that choice),however,you seem to have shot yourself in the foot with the above quote,so sorry Merlin but your boss, being aware that a mcb will do just nicely, its him that has to keep the business viable,best to bite the bullet

 

[MerlinGremlin]

I think I've just been spoilt at other companies I've worked for who allowed me to decide what needed to be done and what materials where required as there clients didn't care about the cost, that may explain the Banking crisis then to some extent as it was for all the big banks haha

 

[Andy78]

I think I've just been spoilt at other companies I've worked for who allowed me to decide what needed to be done and what materials where required as there clients didn't care about the cost, that may explain the Banking crisis then to some extent as it was for all the big banks haha

So it's you that was responsible for the recession .... I just knew it had to be someone on here.

 

[MerlinGremlin]

schneider stuff doesn't come cheap you know you get what you pay for