Single main RCD or multiple

[EWebster]

Hi all,

A customer doesn't want a new consumer unit, but wants work doing to an existing lighting and existing ring circuit.

I believe I'm correct in thinking that if I do work on these older circuits, I must then RCD protect them. Is it better to fit an RCD to the incoming mains, before the fuse box, or individually RCD protect each of the two circuits?

Many thanks

EW

 

[Hawk81]

if you are goin to rcd the whole board you will need to also fit a main switch before the rcd. I would fit rcbo's on the individual circuits. It will stop nuisance tripping of the whole board.

 

[EWebster]

if you are goin to rcd the whole board you will need to also fit a main switch before the rcd. I would fit rcbo's on the individual circuits. It will stop nuisance tripping of the whole board.

Sounds like a plan. I'm assuming I can get push in RCBOs to replace the fuses?

Regards

 

[Hawk81]

what type of board is it

 

[EWebster]

what type of board is it

Old push-in re-wirable fuses.

 

[Deleted member 9648]

You cant get RCBO's to replace push in's.........probably best fit a small enclosure alongside the DB with a couple of RCD's in .

 

[Hawk81]

You cant get RCBO's to replace push in's.........probably best fit a small enclosure alongside the DB with a couple of RCD's in .

Ageed this is the easiest and cheapest way to do it.

 

[Des 56]

if you are goin to rcd the whole board you will need to also fit a main switch before the rcd. I would fit rcbo's on the individual circuits. It will stop nuisance tripping of the whole board.

Why do you say that he needs to fit a main switch before the rcd ?

 

[Hawk81]

Why do you say that he needs to fit a main switch before the rcd ?

As an rcd should not be the main mean of isolation for the installation.

 

[EWebster]

As an rcd should not be the main mean of isolation for the installation.

I spoke to NICEIC yesterday, and he cited the regs, saying that there is provision in the regs for using an RCD as a main switch.

Seems to be a bit of confusion around this area.

 

[cegsdj]

yes you may have an rcd as a main switch see the regs for tt systems shud clarify the situation cheers ceri