Split load consumer unit, in the regs??

[peehead]

Evenining All,

I was having a chat with a fellow sparky earlier and we've a question to ask. Before I start my BGB is in a box as I'm currently moving and his, well lets say he don't know where it is at the mo.

We were so obviously bored that the question of a split load consumer came up. We all install split loads with an rcd each side but we'rent sure and obviously couldnt look in the BGB to see if that it is written in black and white or is it the rule of thumb? only saying this because I know of a few people who have put in new CU's with only one RCD on it.

so the question is - is it written down that it must have 2 RCD's or can we just have the 1 protecting ring etc?

thanks in advance

 

[SPARTYKUS]

Hmmmm.

 

[telectrix]

think about it. when do you need to fit RCDs, and how do you prevent a fault on 1 circuit taking out so many circuits that it leaves an inconvenience or even a dangerous situation? so dual RCDs or even 3, or RCBOs. every installation is different and has to be assessed as such.

 

[peehead]

Question really is it written in black and white in the BGB.

 

[telectrix]

look up division of circuits in bgb, as well as what regs. state when RCD protection is required.

 

[VoltzElectrical]

314.1 of the BRB (sorry guys, don't see the need to update).

Minimize inconvenience in case of fault/ segregation of circuits.

That's all I'm going to contribute at this point as as far as I'm concerned, this is basic stuff.

 

[peehead]

Its very basic but I dont my green book to look at as it's in a box but thanks for looking.

 

[telectrix]

my head's in a shed at times, but i don't use it as an excuse.

 

[netblindpaul]

Voltz,
You do know that the green book has now been amended twice since it came out don't you?
Also that there were more changed pages from red to green than stayed the same, in the first version.
Maybe you don't need the update in your day job, though, there will be subtle changes that your employer mus make you aware of and give you the info, but, there are a lot of changes that have occurred since the red book in a lot of areas.

 

[Octopus]

Question really is it written in black and white in the BGB.

No BUT do you really need to ask.

A single up front RCD is not complaint. Your "mates" who are installing such boards are nuts.

Anyway - whats the issue with a dual board? Its not exactly much more expensive is it?

And are you proposing to have 100% surface cabling?

 

[peehead]

It really came about due to a customer have a victorian house and buying his own CU to replace a 1950/60s board with 1 RCD board from screwfix. I believe circuits were 1 light, 1 ring and 3 others.

Normally you wire upstairs light and down sockets on one side of rcd and vice versa but not sure what his plan is as the cust is insisting of having this board.

 

[Des 56]

There will never be a reg for something specific like "you must use a dual rcd board"

There will be requirements of installation methods, locations and earthing types etc, where rcd protection is required
There are regs on division of circuits and the need to minimise inconvenience for the user


You should make your installation comply with these requirements,what set up regards the consumer unit is yours to do as you feel appropriate
I believe the good book is there to tell what you must achieve,how you go about doing so is what comprises being an electrician

 

[GLENNSPARK]

Evenining All,

I was having a chat with a fellow sparky earlier and we've a question to ask. Before I start my BGB is in a box as I'm currently moving and his, well lets say he don't know where it is at the mo.

We were so obviously bored that the question of a split load consumer came up. We all install split loads with an rcd each side but we'rent sure and obviously couldnt look in the BGB to see if that it is written in black and white or is it the rule of thumb? only saying this because I know of a few people who have put in new CU's with only one RCD on it.

so the question is - is it written down that it must have 2 RCD's or can we just have the 1 protecting ring etc?

thanks in advance

and you mean the other (obvously the lead sparky/QS) couldn`t grasp this one?

it`s low......it really is.....