Old Style CU - Replace asap ?

[elec-tricks]

Hi
whilst doing some work at the girlfriends house during the week (evenings) i noticed that she has an old style consumer unit.
i.e. has a master breaker but no rcd's and only 4 rcbo's.
given that the new regs will require a non combustable cu, would it be a good idea to replace this asap ?
many thanks

 

[Leesparkykent]

Hi
whilst doing some work at the girlfriends house during the week (evenings) i noticed that she has an old style consumer unit.
i.e. has a master breaker but no rcd's and only 4 rcbo's.
given that the new regs will require a non combustable cu, would it be a good idea to replace this asap ?
many thanks

Probably not....are all the circuits on RCBOs? What do you mean by master breaker?

 

[davesparks]

What do you mean by a master breaker?
It sounds like a fairly modern CU if it has RCBOs in it, why exactly do you think it needs changing?

 

[Darkwood]

You say no rcd's .... then say each circuit has an rcbo so they have rcd protection then?

The regulations are for new installs post 1/1/16

 

[elec-tricks]

sorry, think i'm confusing the terminology here :/
the master breaker (large double pole red switch) fed directly from the meter.
no rcd's (the ones with the "test" button)
individual circuits (2x32a breaker for sockets & 2x6a breaker for lights)
just want to make the system as safe as i can for her and the kids.
many thanks for putting up with my confusion.

 

[Darkwood]

It is not required to replace the board but to make it as safe as you can then that is a different question and you might as well upgrade if that is the reason.

 

[Leesparkykent]

Put the rest of the circuits on RCBOs if they aren't already...job done. Are you going to be doing the work?

 

[elec-tricks]

she is going to be redoing the kitchen at some point in the near future and i want to put the kitchen circuits separate, so i'll need to be in it then anyway.
there isn't a huge amount of space in the cu, probably only room for another 1 or possibly 2 breakers (not had chance to get the cover off yet).
meant to take a photo before i left, but forgot :/
thanks for your help

 

[davesparks]

sorry, think i'm confusing the terminology here :/
the master breaker (large double pole red switch) fed directly from the meter.
no rcd's (the ones with the "test" button)
individual circuits (2x32a breaker for sockets & 2x6a breaker for lights)
just want to make the system as safe as i can for her and the kids.
many thanks for putting up with my confusion.

That is not a breaker, it's a switch!

Now you are talking about breakers for each circuit, earlier you said RCBOs, which is it?

Are you an electrician?

 

[Guest77]

sorry, think i'm confusing the terminology here :/
the master breaker (large double pole red switch) fed directly from the meter.
no rcd's (the ones with the "test" button)
individual circuits (2x32a breaker for sockets & 2x6a breaker for lights)
just want to make the system as safe as i can for her and the kids.
many thanks for putting up with my confusion.

After reading your OP I doubt you are capable of doing it yourself.

 

[Simlec]

After reading your OP I doubt you are capable of doing it yourself.

Took the words out of my mouth lol

 

[Taylortwocities]

Your terminology is wrong, and confusing
Does this help?

 

[elec-tricks]

After reading your OP I doubt you are capable of doing it yourself.

just because i don't know what the things are called, doesn't mean i can't do the job!

 

[elec-tricks]

Your terminology is wrong, and confusing
Does this help?

many thanks for that.
i'm still getting used to the terminology.
there is no rcd / rccb present just the mcb's

 

[Hellmooth]

just because i don't know what the things are called, doesn't mean i can't do the job!

It is basic terminology you're getting mixed up on, stuff you would learn at college, doesn't fill anyone with much confidence if you don't know the difference between switches, mcbs and rcbos........