voelcb as isolator

[acsparks]

I'm about to upgrade consumer unit and current install has a voelcb as protection to current cu.When fitting the new duel rcd board can i use this as my isolation switch asuming i upgrade the tails to 25mm from the voelcb to the new board.If i was required to replace this then i would have to remove the main fuse and cut the seals which i don't really want to do.This is going to form part of my nic inspection so what i need to know is will they be happy with this or should i just replace the voelcb.

 

[jimsky007]

Hi

I would remove this old type ELCB as it is surplus to requirements and fit the wylex type isolator switch the the supply auth use and neutral and earth henley blocks fed from the meter and the earth from the cable head
If you dont wish to remove the seal from your service fuse to do this your supply authority will come fit one for you for £136
personally i would remove the service fuse myself and do my stuff next visit from supply auth you can ask to have it sealed

 

[Des 56]

You could, but the elcb is likely to be rated at only 60 amp,so not an ideal solution
Are you absolutely sure that there are seals ?

 

[acsparks]

Yes definately sealed.

 

[padmore12345]

sometimes if you wiggle the seals abit you might find they have been cut beforehand and someone has just 'hidden' the break behind where the seals go through.

 

[acsparks]

Also forgot to say that the supply is TT system will this affect the choice of incomer isolation switch?

 

[Des 56]

Also forgot to say that the supply is TT system will this affect the choice of incomer isolation switch?

If its an all insulated board,it is no different to TNS or TNC-S,metal clad may require s type RCD

If the job is for an assessment,I would remove the broken seals and tail straight into the consumer unit from the meter unless the tails are more than 2 meters long

You would have a healthy 100 amp isolation instead of perhaps old possibly not so safe 60 amp

The old elcb being left in circuit wont make a good impression at all,pull very hard on those seals and its surprising how they were never really intact,if they are then removed and you are concerned you could re seal with your own seals bought off fleabay

 

[acsparks]

Thanks des.The tails are more than 2 meters long and are 16mm and plastered into the wall so not easy to remove and replace with 25mm.

 

[Des 56]

Thanks des.The tails are more than 2 meters long and are 16mm and plastered into the wall so not easy to remove and replace with 25mm.

Yet more information,you are changing the goalposts you know

If the tails are buried and left in use,they require RCd protection

I would rip out or cut off the existing tails after removing those broken seals and fit a switch fuse 800kmf or such(becuse the supply people would require overcurrent for the length of tails) and fit surface 25mm tails if possible

 

[acsparks]

Sorry about those goalpasts des Thanks very much for the info.

 

[steamboatwilly]

Hi ac, good to see you on the forum!

Just wondering whether, over the last three weeks, those seals may have dislodged a little?

 

[acsparks]

funny i woke up one day and they had just fallen off all by themselves.

 

[matt456]

apparently if you slide them through the little hole and snip the back you can put them back in place without anyone knowing