Replacing main isolator with RCD across whole board

[Diode]

I'm doing pir's at the moment and often come across CU's with MCB's but no RCD protection. I'm wondering what views people have on removing the main isolators and fitting RCD's in their place to protect all circuits. I understand the inconvenience implications but is it ok to simply replace?

 

[Sintra]

If you are doing pir's / eicr's then why would you need to replace anything so long as it complies to the edition of the regs to which it was installed.

 

[kingeri]

If you got the remedials and the customer specifically wanted RCD protection, then you'd have to install to the current edition of BS7671. This would mean you would need to go down the RCBO or dual RCD route! It wouldn't comply if you just changed the switch for an RCD.

 

[Guitarist]

As kingeri says, turning the main switch into an RCD does not comply.

 

[telectrix]

true, but it's making the installation safer. this could be noted as a departure from BS7671. if i thought there was merit in doing it, i'd not hesitate.

 

[Guitarist]

Funny how people are still having their cars serviced at £500 a pop, yet we're having these discussions about the heart of a property....

 

[davethsparky]

£500 for a service? Wtf? I do mine for the price of the parts & oil and a couple of hours on a Sunday arvo.

 

[ipf]

Funny how people are still having their cars serviced at £500 a pop, yet we're having these discussions about the heart of a property....

Yeah, but cars are useful....what use is a consumer unit ?

 

[Buzz-light-bulb]

If you are doing pir's / eicr's then why would you need to replace anything so long as it complies to the edition of the regs to which it was installed.

Pir's should be assessed on current regulations not previous.

 

[ipf]

£500 for a service? Wtf? I do mine for the price of the parts & oil and a couple of hours on a Sunday arvo.

Substitute that for a few extra sockets in the kitchen, and there's your answer.

 

[Buzz-light-bulb]

Don't worry I've dug a trench and put my tin hat on

 

[Guitarist]

£500 for a service? Wtf? I do mine for the price of the parts & oil and a couple of hours on a Sunday arvo.

Same here, but see how many cars there are waiting for a service at the main dealers and you'll see that it happens.

 

[davethsparky]

Substitute that for a few extra sockets in the kitchen, and there's your answer.

I kind of see your point but then again I don't.
Servicing is routine maintainence, not alterations.

I have learned a bit of mechanicing from my grandad (diesel fitter) and have the full manufacturers workshop manual. I have taken measures to ensure I know and understand what I'm doing before I start, please don't compare me to some DIY numpty who isn't fit to sweep the workshop floor.

 

[Silly Sausage]

As kingeri says, turning the main switch into an RCD does not comply.

However, Table 53.4 shows that RCDs can be used for on-load isolation...

 

[davethsparky]

I think the point he was making is that it doesn't give adequate segregation if one rcd covers the whole board