SBS Trade consumer units

[timhoward]

I posted a few years ago about these and the farce of opening an account etc etc . I have yet to buy one .BUT , I was informed over the phone by a lady that a sale would be no problem

Interesting! Though I wonder how many rookie sparks (for want of a better expression) would have any interest in buying them anyway. I’m not sure most would expend the effort when screwfix is easier. It’s good to know that they would have sold to you.

 

[sparksfly]

I have installed some SBS compact RCBOs in a old db in 2014 and are still working.

 

[mainline]

I have installed some SBS compact RCBOs in a old db in 2014 and are still working.

Bet it doesn't last as long as a wire one

 

[sparksfly]

Bet it doesn't last as long as a wire one

Well... your right on that one.

 

[Lister1987]

@dseselectric has used them before and quite rates them. I like that twin busbar idea.

 

[loz2754]

@dseselectric has used them before and quite rates them. I like that twin busbar idea.

Post in thread 'SBS Trade consumer units' SBS Trade consumer units - https://www.electriciansforums.net/threads/sbs-trade-consumer-units.206033/post-1814592

Is there an echo in here?

 

[mainline]

Post in thread 'SBS Trade consumer units' SBS Trade consumer units - https://www.electriciansforums.net/threads/sbs-trade-consumer-units.206033/post-1814592

Is there an echo in here?

Read first, post later comes to mind

 

[timhoward]

So, I said I'd post some pictures if it didn't look too rough. I'm going to post some anyway as @Dave OCD 's reaction could be entertaining.
The before picture:

I couldn't understand why the cables had been brought through the back board so low, and started to carefully excavate upwards only to find some kind of steel RSJ thing sticking out of the wall. THe rear entry cables loop around the end of it and in.
My nice plan to get the CU on the back board was somewhat in tatters.

Devoid of any other ideas I figured I'd move the isolator and do my best to tidy up within the limitations. I added some extra screw holes as the board would have to overhang again.
Anyway, this is what it ended up looking like:

 

[timhoward]

In terms of the board itself...
Very strong. Knockouts come out easily. Knockouts on every side is a plus.
The extra space was most welcome as 3 CPC's needed extending.
Enough room above CPC bar for tester clip to nicely bite.

Negative points from my perspective...
One main earth, 2 bonds and 1 per circuit could have left me a little short on the CPC bar. I don't know whether I'm imagining it but think Fuesbox has more capacity than that.
The screws that hold the DIN rail assembly seem to be self drilling/tapping not machined and after removing it all and putting it back I very easily managed to strip the thread on one of them. So had to drill, tap and use a bigger screw. Another time I wouldn't remove it - I'm just used to easily doing this on Fusebox boards.
Finally, being a bit picky but it's not super-easy to see the breaker ratings when the switches are off.

All in all, I'd use one again.

 

[Dave OCD]

I've seen worse, can't remember where though.

Only kidding Tim !

 

[timhoward]

I've seen worse, can't remember where though.

Only kidding Tim !

BTW isn't it about time you upgraded your profile picture from a dual RCD board?!

And by the way, if anyone guesses what the red and black 6mm circuit was for I'll buy them a virtual beer. (The newer one is the cooker circuit)

 

[Dave OCD]

Good point, haven't thought about that ! I'll guess a very large doorbell.

 

[DPG]

BTW isn't it about time you upgraded your profile picture from a dual RCD board?!

And by the way, if anyone guesses what the red and black 6mm circuit was for I'll buy them a virtual beer. (The newer one is the cooker circuit)

Heat pump

 

[timhoward]

Nope and Nope. This had me and the householder head scratching for a good while.
For context - extended / converted mid-terrace house. Large kitchen and lounge on ground floor. Bathroom and bedroom with en-suite on middle floor. Two bedrooms on top floor.
Only current-using appliance in sight was the cooker.

 

[Dave OCD]

A small sub main to the top floor to a small CU for sockets and lighting ?