RCB or RCBO in a Distribution Board.

[Andy C]

I am getting back into the electrical game after a few years and wondered what peoples thoughts are on the above.

I am happy installing fully RCD protected DBs or Split boards but the use of RCBOs I had never seen. What are the main reasons/advantages/disadvantages for using them? I know they are wired differently within the DB.

Sorry if it seems a daft question.

Thanks for any replies.

 

[Dave OCD]

Thanks Murdoch.
Practically speaking I will be okay as I did a full apprenticeship in the 80s and have all the knowledge and experience in fitting etc. There will be a few bits such as the shortening and crimping of RCBO cables ghat are different.

I am taking the 17th edition and 2394 and 5 in February so hopefully fingers crossed i will obtain passes. I am looking forward to working with my hands again. I am thinking of asking a small contractor if a could shadow them when testing to give me more of an idea, maybe for a cheap day rate for them as an incentive.

As i would be doing mainly domestic I was going to join STROMA

Any ideas or suggestions would be welcome.

If you're fairly tall that would be ideal for helping with bits he couldn't reach very well.

 

[Midwest]

Thanks Murdoch.
Practically speaking I will be okay as I did a full apprenticeship in the 80s and have all the knowledge and experience in fitting etc. There will be a few bits such as the shortening and crimping of RCBO cables ghat are different.

I am taking the 17th edition and 2394 and 5 in February so hopefully fingers crossed i will obtain passes. I am looking forward to working with my hands again. I am thinking of asking a small contractor if a could shadow them when testing to give me more of an idea, maybe for a cheap day rate for them as an incentive.

As i would be doing mainly domestic I was going to join STROMA

Any ideas or suggestions would be welcome.

All Little & Large jokes aside, you want to rethink your business venture. I did something similar, and have to say it's been quite hard getting constant flow of work. I'm told it can take 3-5 years to build up a business profile, with contacts etc. It's also a steep learning curve, coming back into the industry after so many years. I'd either forgotten things, all things had changed, certainly inspection, testing & certification.

Once you've done your courses, if you could work alongside another electrician or contractor, that might prove valuable.

 

[Andy C]

We don't stick green/yellow wires on every bit of stationary metalwork anymore.

I remember those days, if it didn't move, earth it.......

I am looking forward to it but i think the bureaucracy may drive me a bit mad i think.

Another little request a good crimping set that will deal with cables up to 16mm in case i have to crimp those. otherwise it will be the standard domestic cable types.

Cheers, every reply appreciated.

 

[Joe B]

I am going to ask an unknown to me but prospective (to do the work on my house) electrician whether RCBO's alone (plus main switch, of course) can be used on a replacement all-RCBO CU in place of the existing and very old fuse-type Bakelit CU in my Victorian house. It would be nice to know beforehand whether he knows what he is talking about in terms of whether my installation is TT, TNS or TNCS as I, in my very limited capacity as a general builder, understand that RCBO's Type B are not the solution for all domestic earthing arrangements.

So, how can I find out whether I have a TT, TNS or TNCS arrangement?

Advice greatly appreciated.

Joe B

 

[Midwest]

I am going to ask an unknown to me but prospective (to do the work on my house) electrician whether RCBO's alone (plus main switch, of course) can be used on a replacement all-RCBO CU in place of the existing and very old fuse-type Bakelit CU in my Victorian house. It would be nice to know beforehand whether he knows what he is talking about in terms of whether my installation is TT, TNS or TNCS as I, in my very limited capacity as a general builder, understand that RCBO's Type B are not the solution for all domestic earthing arrangements.

So, how can I find out whether I have a TT, TNS or TNCS arrangement?

Advice greatly appreciated.

Joe B

Best to start your own thread

 

[Octopus]

I am going to ask an unknown to me but prospective (to do the work on my house) electrician whether RCBO's alone (plus main switch, of course) can be used on a replacement all-RCBO CU in place of the existing and very old fuse-type Bakelit CU in my Victorian house. It would be nice to know beforehand whether he knows what he is talking about in terms of whether my installation is TT, TNS or TNCS as I, in my very limited capacity as a general builder, understand that RCBO's Type B are not the solution for all domestic earthing arrangements.

So, how can I find out whether I have a TT, TNS or TNCS arrangement?

Advice greatly appreciated.

Joe B

Really?

Look at the incoming supply and use a MFT to do some tests if its not clear....