RCBO Replacement under 18th Edition

[Baga Bones]

Hi,
Complete laymen to the electrical world so need some advice.
We had a complete rewire done in 2016 and as part of this we had an RCBO unit put in. Today we have had an issue where there has been a loose connection and the board needs replacing. This is being done under our house cover but the electrician has advised we won't be having the same sort of board as the 18th edition rules have improved the requirement and therefore we will be having something better that includes mcbs. I don't have a clue about any of this so wanted some advice as to what is correct and what I should be pushing for. I've included a couple of pics of the board if thats any help.
Thanks.
View attachment 44534

 

[suffolkspark]

phisically check each one and test each properly though? Board change just seems ott when parts for this board are readily available

 

[buzzlightyear]

Two years old ,me i would be ring up the oringnal spark and tell him to fix it .and get your a&& round here pronto.

 

[Wilko]

Hi - I agree with previous posts and believe you are entitled to a like for like replacement utilising rcbo, not mcbs and RCDs. This will add a couple of hundred to the material costs compared with the mcb/RCD hardware.

 

[Midwest]

I think we've been 'trolled'. OP was having a butchers at this thread at 3.29pm today, but obviously had nothing to add to his OP.

 

[Toneyz]

Id just be buying a bare board and swapping the neutral bars over and plastic support? 2hours work absolute maximum, a board replacement is not required at all.

You most likely be able to get them separately.

 

[Pete999]

phisically check each one and test each properly though? Board change just seems ott when parts for this board are readily available

By the time you have ponced about testing, checking, modifying etc, would it not better all round to go or a replacement? I thinks so that is the reason I gave a disagree.

 

[westward10]

It has always been a bone of contention that dual rcd boards do not comply with current Regulations whereby a fault on one circuit will affect other circuits, obviously avoided with the use of rcbos. Maybe the OPs electrician has taken note of Reg 531.3.5.2 in the 18th Ed which seems to permit the use of a dual rcd board unless there are restrictions on circuit selectively. I think Doc will like this

 

[Pete999]

You most likely be able to get them separately.

I gave you an optimistic, because it may NOT be able to get spares separately, time and effort would be better used in fitting the new CU, IMO anyway.

 

[GBDamo]

Spend less time making all the coloured wires line up nicely and tighten your fecking terminals properly.

 

[Toneyz]

I gave you an optimistic, because it may NOT be able to get spares separately, time and effort would be better used in fitting the new CU, IMO anyway.

With most of the major manufacturers, I find if you call them in the morning a majority of the time a component is sent and with me the next day a day later to this. It depends upon how quick the consumer unit needs to be up and running.

 

[suffolkspark]

By the time you have ponced about testing, checking, modifying etc, would it not better all round to go or a replacement? I thinks so that is the reason I gave a disagree.

Youd have to perform the same tests on new rcbos anyway, and pinging out and swapping the top bar isnt a big deal as it looks fairly sparse in there, hopefully the OP will keep us updated with what gets done, alltgough i doubt it

 

[Sparky Pat]

If done in 2016 should be done FOC by the original contractor under his 5 yr warranty.

 

[Ian1981]

As above, like for like. Sounds like he's trying to fob you off with a split load board which, although is in the spirit of current regulations, isn't fully compliant with them for division of circuits.

TBH if the RCBOs are in good condition then I would be tempted to just get another bare unit from Screwfix and swap the plastic bits over.

Actually the 18th edition mentions that one or more circuits can be protected by a common rcd subject to other applicable regulations such as this new 30% value of the rcd for earth leakage to the shared circuits on the same rcd

 

[Midwest]

If done in 2016 should be done FOC by the original contractor under his 5 yr warranty.

What 5 warranty is that?

 

[westward10]

Actually the 18th edition mentions that one or more circuits can be protected by a common rcd subject to other applicable regulations such as this new 30% value of the rcd for earth leakage to the shared circuits on the same rcd

I just did that in #22