RCCB as main switch?

[Noob2013]

Hi all,

I have been to a property where the tails come out of the meter and into an RCCB which then feeds the main switch of the consumer unit. All circuits are protected by MCBs.

If I'm adding a new circuit, is it best put in an RCBO instead of an MCB?

Thanks

 

[Simlec]

"most likely"

good enough for you. Not good enough for me.

As soon as he disconnects the tails to the existing he must be happy with the current installation before he reconnects it.

Just my opinion.

Why would he/they be doing that?

 

[Guest125]

as long as it's safe for continued use. the fact that it was installed to a previous version of the regs. is no reason to condemn it. that's like condemning a 1990's car because it doesn't have abs or airbags.

Not condem but advise and make sure it is on the cert if the home owner does not want it.

 

[Guest125]

Why would he/they be doing that?

He said he wanted to install henly block after the meter and tap into the tails.

 

[Simlec]

He said he wanted to install henly block after the meter and tap into the tails.

Where does it say that ???

 

[Guest125]

Reg number please?

I will check tomorrow when in the office. But I am certain of this.

 

[Simlec]

Noob you still need to answer my question please.

 

[Guest125]

Where does it say that ???

I am so sorry. Got humbled between threads. Sorry guys.

 

[Noob2013]

Should this question not be on the Screwfix forum ?

You would use a MCB. But do you know why ?

I would use an MCB as I believe there would be a level of RCD protection.

Obviously not the best situation as it would take out the whole consumer unit.

I've also read the affects of having an RCBO and RCD/RCCB together.

If I'm wrong, could you please explain?

Much appreciated

 

[telectrix]

I would use an MCB as I believe there would be a level of RCD protection.

Obviously not the best situation as it would take out the whole consumer unit.

I've also read the affects of having an RCBO and RCD/RCCB together.



If I'm wrong, could you please explain?

Much appreciated

ideally, you'd upgrade the board to give circuit division between 2 RCDs or, better still, RCBOs. but you can only do as much as the customer is prepared to pay. in this case, a MCB for the new circuit is the most cost effective solution.

 

[Noob2013]

Can you tell bt the front on an RCD if it is time delayed??

 

[ipf]

I would use an MCB as I believe there would be a level of RCD protection.

Obviously not the best situation as it would take out the whole consumer unit.

I've also read the affects of having an RCBO and RCD/RCCB together.

If I'm wrong, could you please explain?

Much appreciated

Your thinking along the correct lines. We're guessing to some degree as we don't know all the details but it seems ok.....if operation is satisfactory

 

[Guest77]

Should this question not be on the Screwfix forum ?

You would use a MCB. But do you know why ?

HAHA, now that made me laugh, bloody hilarious.

 

[Guest125]

Can you tell bt the front on an RCD if it is time delayed??

It will have a 'S' in a square.

But it if this is installed this will not give your circuit appropriate RCD protection.

whole DB change is what I would recommend.

 

[TJ Anderson]

Can you tell bt the front on an RCD if it is time delayed??

Yes it would be an S type RCD. Also, I can't see on here what rating (ma) the Main Switch RCD is. If it is 30ma then a RCBO (30ma) in series would be rather pointless. If it was a 100ma then it may be required dependant on circuit.

 

[Noob2013]

It will have a 'S' in a square.

But it if this is installed this will not give your circuit appropriate RCD protection.

whole DB change is what I would recommend.

Thank you.

So if the customer would not pay for that, and it was a time delayed rccb, could a new circuit not have an rcbo so it is protected?