Recommended CU for New Install

[andyh]

Hi,

Looking for feedback on which CUs are best and easiest to work with. New install which entails stacking two CUs together. MK offer specific kits to stack one CU on top of another. I want to use metal clad CUs as will be terminating several SWA cables into the lower CU. I know I could terminate into metal adaptable boxes and then feed a normal insulated CU but thought it would be neater to terminate directly into the CU.

The setup will consist of two 21 way CUs as I want plenty of spare capacity and want to have the outside SWA feeds on separate RCDs. Also considering whether to use RCBOs instead of split board with RCDs. I know it's more expensive but would probably be the best option. Any thoughts?

Any recommendations on which CUs people prefer to work with? How do people rate MK CUs?

 

[pennywise]

MK stuff is great my local neweys are doing there RCBO's for £20 plus the VAT great price. Hager have a incredible amount of space relatively cheap as well and loads of din rail mountable accessories. Contactum cheap metal clad boards and they go to extreme sizes MK breakers also fit them which is a bonus. For the more expensive options thinking MEM Eaton or Merlin Gerin. I've just put in a hager SP 22 way Board all RCBO's makes life so much easier worth the extra expense.

 

[andyh]

MK stuff is great my local neweys are doing there RCBO's for £20 plus the VAT great price. Hager have a incredible amount of space relatively cheap as well and loads of din rail mountable accessories. Contactum cheap metal clad boards and they go to extreme sizes MK breaker also fit them which is a bonus. For the more expensive options thinking MEM Eaton or Merlin Gerin. I've just put in a hager SP 22 way Board all RCBO's makes life so much easier worth the extra expense.

Excellent information. Appreciate you taking the time to post. Will have a look at the Hager CUs as that's one I hadn't considered.

Thanks again.

 

[Guest123]

Hi.

Just a thought.....but seeing as you have a lot of circuits and you are considering the expensive RCBO route, why not try a three phase board with a single phase conversion kit???

Size wise it'll be about the same, obviously it will be metalclad, cost wise it will be a lot more as you will need RCBO's for every circuit (depending on inst method) etc. Just an option to consider.

 

[andyh]

Hi.

Just a thought.....but seeing as you have a lot of circuits and you are considering the expensive RCBO route, why not try a three phase board with a single phase conversion kit???

Size wise it'll be about the same, obviously it will be metalclad, cost wise it will be a lot more as you will need RCBO's for every circuit (depending on inst method) etc. Just an option to consider.

Certainly an option. Will look into it and compare costs. RCBOs are beginning to reduce in price but they're still an expensive route to take.

Having read lots of good posts on the forum I have a related query with regards to mounting the new CUs. The house has insulated internal blockwork which will have dot & dab plasterboard finish and plaster skim. I want to mount the CUs so there's plenty of room to bring all the circuit cabling in and had thought of mounting the CUs on plywood which sits proud of the blockwork hence enabling all the cabling to come in from behind. Few queries have cropped up:

1. Is it acceptable to mount metal clad CUs on plywood? Several posts on here seem to suggest it's frowned upon. If not can you treat the plywood with a fire resistant coating?
2. How far out form the blockwork wall do people suggest mounting the CU to allow plenty of room for cable runs?

Thanks again for any advice

 

[andyh]

This got added to previous post by accident! If anyone can advise, would be appreciated:

Having read lots of good posts on the forum I have a related query with regards to mounting the new CUs. The house has insulated internal blockwork which will have dot & dab plasterboard finish and plaster skim. I want to mount the CUs so there's plenty of room to bring all the circuit cabling in and had thought of mounting the CUs on plywood which sits proud of the blockwork hence enabling all the cabling to come in from behind. Few queries have cropped up:

1. Is it acceptable to mount metal clad CUs on plywood? Several posts on here seem to suggest it's frowned upon. If not can you treat the plywood with a fire resistant coating?
2. How far out form the blockwork wall do people suggest mounting the CU to allow plenty of room for cable runs?

Thanks again for any advice