rcd as main switch

[mcm]

Is a rcd allowed as a main switch under 17th edition regs.

changing cu and just wondering if this was ok under current regs. only 4-5 circuits for the house.

 

[IQ Electrical]

It is not good practice to provide a single RCD on the supply to a complete distribution board/consumer unit, which may have lighting circuits, etc., as operation will interrupt the whole building supply. Regulation 314.1(i) requires installation circuit arrangements to be such that hazards are avoided and inconvenience minimized in the event of a fault. It can be argued that protection of an installation by an RCD is not related to the ‘circuit’ definition in Part 2 of BS 7671 and Regulation 531.4.1 makes specific reference to a single RCD for a TT installation. However, the decision to provide a single RCD, to use a split distribution board/consumer unit or to use RCBOs must be taken only after due consideration of all the relevant factors, including convenience and maintenance, and not just initial costs. For example, elderly or infirm persons may not be able to gain access to, or reset, an RCD. A single 30 mA RCD should normally not be installed at the origin of the installation.

 

[DurhamSparky]

RCD should not be used as a sole means or isolation...! will dig up a reg in a min..!

 

[DurhamSparky]

bah beaten to it!

 

[mayfair]

I would say not

 

[telectrix]

for only 4/5 circuits, main switch + RCBOs every time. compliance and convenience.

 

[DurhamSparky]

TBH you can get a half decent set of RCBO and 100A switch and Enclosure for same price as a RCD box and MCBS!!

 

[davelerave]

it's a hazard alright-i wouldn't do it

assuming it's 30ma and you had a neutral-earth fault -could be a right inconvenience

 

[steamboatwilly]

TBH you can get a half decent set of RCBO and 100A switch and Enclosure for same price as a RCD box and MCBS!!

Anyone used a dedicated Main Switch/RCBO box which is any good? I don't like shoe-horning RCBOs into a 'standard' box alongside RCDs/MCBs...the RCBO fly leads never seem to be long enough. I think Denmans do one but never used one....

 

[AlanWirral]

for only 4/5 circuits, main switch + RCBOs every time. compliance and convenience.

Exactly

 

[s_d]

Regarding the regulation the main word is "SHOULD". As in it should not be done, open to interpretation if you ask me. But avoid if possible.

 

[Des 56]

Rcd main switch and inconveniance

Under previous ediions it was the bees knees, up to date,all thought out, bestest system available
Millions of installations have this sytem (My own included)

Suddenly,with the advent of the 16th and 17th ed they are seen as terrible afflictions that cant be tolerated
Minimising in conveniance is usually touted as the pinnacle of the critisism
Does a dual rcd board or a dist board with a full quantity of rcbos overcome the coin meter ?
If minimising inconveniance was an essential safety feature, then coin meters would be outlawed
Too much of pointing fingers of accusation surround this subject

By all means segregate circuits so that it minimises problems,but with the understandimg that inconveniance cant be eliminated
Systems with an Rcd main switch are only slightly less perfection than the sytems installed to replace these "out of date obsolete non regulatory types"
Nothing much wrong in my view with a front end RCd board

 

[nickblake]

if you use the CNT ,Niglon ,Prolec type boards, Consumer units are £15.00 ,with main switch and the RCBO's are £10.49 each

 

[nickblake]

Rcd main switch and inconveniance

Under previous ediions it was the bees knees, up to date,all thought out, bestest system available
Millions of installations have this sytem (My own included)

Suddenly,with the advent of the 16th and 17th ed they are seen as terrible afflictions that cant be tolerated
Minimising in conveniance is usually touted as the pinnacle of the critisism
Does a dual rcd board or a dist board with a full quantity of rcbos overcome the coin meter ?
If minimising inconveniance was an essential safety feature, then coin meters would be outlawed
Too much of pointing fingers of accusation surround this subject

By all means segregate circuits so that it minimises problems,but with the understandimg that inconveniance cant be eliminated
Systems with an Rcd main switch are only slightly less perfection than the sytems installed to replace these "out of date obsolete non regulatory types"
Nothing much wrong in my view with a front end RCd board

Unless you 90 CDU down stairs RCD trips whole house in darkness falls down stairs trying to get to reset , thats part of the reason why it came it no RCD main switches , but i agree with what you have said in principle

 

[SimpleSimon]

I've seen it when the RCD is used as the main switch for a economy 7 supply but a main linked isolator is found downstream in the meter tails. This must be acceptable as this would than count as the main switch?

Also, table 53.2 states an RCD can be used for isolation?