RCBO for Memera 2000 is discontinued, is it ok to buy used one off eBay?

[koko88]

I need to get hold of RCBO for old white plastic Memera 2000 consumer unit.

They are now discontinued for the Memera 2000, only used ones are available off eBay.

Is it ok and safe to buy an used RCBO off eBay to be fitted?

 

[Midwest]

I fitted a couple of those 'Eaton Field Kits'. They are expensive, but what price safety? Bear in mind they are quite tall, and a bit of a squeeze inside a Mem CU, especially if the installer has not been tidy with their cables.

 

[Gavin John Hyde]

why not just fit an RCD adjacent to the exisitng board and route the circuit via the RCD in its own enclosure?

 

[Dustydazzler]

Just looked and I can't believe old MEM Rcbos are selling for between £35-£80 on Fleabay

I need to have a rummage in my dads garage this week as he has some old MEM boards and I am sure there is some Rcbos in them

 

[koko88]

Electrician told me to either buy a new pod or get a RCBO off eBay as he reckons most RCBO have a very long life span, the chances of being faulty & etc is low (if it works, it works as the life span is 20,000 operation, most RCBO very unlikely to get there!)
The electrician would be able to test an used RCBO before fitting it.
There seem to be a market for used RCBO or pods on eBay so there most be many electrician or DIY enthusiasts out there’s still sourcing & using them!
I just want a second opinion on the matter

 

[MJPD29]

I've had square d rcbos fail on their first operation after sitting doing nothing for 10 years and bg rcbos fail out of the box so I don't believe that figure for a second. The market is so big because of people like yourself having boards that manufacturers have discontinued and no longer support, its a cheaper option than replacing the whole thing.

 

[koko88]

Yes, they’re bound to be RCBO, pods from new that is faulty & etc, just like everything else in life!
I think most people would chose the cheaper option & if an electrician going to test it before fitting it, my guest is it should be ok?
I presume there’s a market out there for used discontinued stuff judging what is on EBay!

 

[westward10]

You have asked for opinions and seeing as these parts are available new the opinion is to buy new. Second had is a last resort for obsolete parts which are no longer available new.

 

[pc1966]

I agree 100% with @westward10 that 2nd hand is an option you should consider only if no new options exist, and if a complete CU change to something supported is too expensive.

While the Eaton kit was good in its day, it is quite old and once you look at a couple of upgrades it would be cheaper to bite the bullet and get a new CU with the benefits of available parts are reasonable price, fitted SPD, lower fire risk due to metal construction, etc.

 

[MJPD29]

The new pod can be tested on fitting, only problem being if its faulty from ebay you may not be able to return it

 

[koko88]

The new pod can be tested on fitting, only problem being if its faulty from ebay you may not be able to return it

Most of the one listed on eBay have a 30 days return refund policy, new or used.
Every item purchased on eBay is covered by them if it’s faulty or item not as described!
The obvious choice is to buy a new one from electrical supplier online for the full price but just doesn’t seem economically viable as it would cost more or less the same as a new consumer unit!

 

[IAmSparkytus!]

Most of the one listed on eBay have a 30 days return refund policy, new or used.
Every item purchased on eBay is covered by them if it’s faulty or item not as described!
The obvious choice is to buy a new one from electrical supplier online for the full price but just doesn’t seem economically viable as it would cost more or less the same as a new consumer unit!

Is it for your own property?

 

[mainline]

The new pod can be tested on fitting, only problem being if its faulty from ebay you may not be able to return it

You can always return it ifs it's via eBay faulty or not.

 

[Dustydazzler]

The new pod can be tested on fitting, only problem being if its faulty from ebay you may not be able to return it

If it is sold as used working then if its duff you will get your money back on Ebay 100%

Only time you might not get your refund is if the seller is selling it for parts 'not working'

 

[westward10]

What works have you had done which requires an rcbo.

 

[suffolkspark]

Are the memshield 2 breakers compatible with the memera2000? as there's a company that now has the rights to memshield 2 and is making them again. Unless they just have new old stock.

With Wylex and hagers 10ka mcbs being able to go in either board dont know if these were the same

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