Studio Consumer Unit

[Michaelwgroves]

I need to replace the CU in 12 studio's, how do I make it 17th Edition compliant without using RCBO's on every circuit?

The studio's have one room and a bathroom. Living space combines kitchen/lounge/Bedroom.
I have the following, Lights, Sockets, Cooker, Shower. I could also split out kitchen sockets, should I ?

Clearly I can't go with a single RCD
So if I go with a split load, if I put the lights with anything that has a fault it will trip 100% of lights, so should I put lights on thier own, but then say cooker fault would trip 100% sockets.
So I can't see a way around this without all RCBO,s.

Any thoughts?

Thanks

 

[telectrix]

if there's only 4 circuits, then fit a 6 way CU with 4 RCBOs, leaving 2 spare ways.

 

[Andy78]

I agree with the rcbo route for a studio flat of that size as it gives the best solution regarding nuisance tripping.
If you do go for split rcd boards, just make sure sockets and lights are on separate rcds. It's the best you can do with the allotted circuits.
An EM light above the board could help in the event of the lights tripping due to blown lamps.

 

[Michaelwgroves]

I hear what you are both saying about RCBO's, but assuming contactum, that's an extra £37.30 per room, * 12 rooms = extra £447.60 plus vat for project.

Would split load with dual RCD and only lights on one side be 17th edition compliant, also should I have a different circuit for kitchen sockets?


Thanks
Michael

 

[Engineer54]

Where are you getting your 2 X RCD + 4 X MCB / 4 RCBO CU price comparisons from??

 

[pete555]

find prices top heavy you need to fight more for your rights to have a good discount

 

[telectrix]

Where are you getting your 2 X RCD + 4 X MCB / 4 RCBO CU price comparisons from??

i make it 2 RCDs + 4 MCBs = £ 50. 4 RCBOs = £60. not a lot of difference

 

[Andy78]

I'm sure if you was getting 48 rcbos, a deal could be worked out with the wholesaler anyway.

 

[amlu]

i would go for a rcbo way. split load board for 4 circuits is overkill.
put all sockets on a ring 32a, including kitchen. unless they stick a commercial deep fryer in there it will be fine.

 

[shocking_eg]

contactum crap ?? ergh !

 

[Michaelwgroves]

Prices from TLC-Direct, I'm using list prices. Not got discount prices yet.

So what makes would you recommend, I know Contactum are the cheaper end of the spectrum, but I don't know anyone ever had any problems.
Are you shopping online, or getting good discounts from local retailers, if so who?

 

[shocking_eg]

Hager is best for me

Well priced and good quality

Wholesaler will give you the best prices if you haggle

 

[Brightspark2]

Try elecfix...you can join and get discount there by taking a copy of your quals in...

 

[Fin170]

Never had a problem with the modern contactum CUs etc (BG is the same but doesn't attract the same dislike) and rate it better than wylex rubbish any day.

I'd be inclined for 1 rcbo and the rest on a single RCD, but my wholesaler does a very nice adaptable 8 way box that might price up well with a main switch and 4 of their cheap (12.50+vat) rcbos

 

[Michaelwgroves]

Is this configuration 17th edition compliant?

It might still be a little cheaper to get an RCD and MCB rather than just RCBO, would this also be 17th edition compliant?