Will this RCD fit into this board?

[HappyHippyDad]

Morning....

I have a chap who wants 30mA protection on all his circuits.

He currently has the main switch as seen in the picture below showing the whole CU


Will the RCD below fit into this board in the same place?

The one he has is marked WSEM, the one I can buy is WSES. Are these interchangeable?

If they are not then I may try and convince him just to have 30mA protection on the circuit I will be working on. So my next question is, is there an RCBO which will fit this board?

Cheers.

 

[Midwest]

I did say you could argue it's an improvement... not sure I would

I've got a client with one of those boards and when it came to testing some changes, I couldn't even get 1/2x test to complete. Ramp tested the RCD with nothing on it and it was tripping at around 12mA.

Only tripped when I tested it, despite the installation being somewhat old.

The risks could perhaps be mitigated somewhat with a couple of well placed emergency lights.

If the existing RCD is duff, I would have no qualms with replacing it with something like for like. Don't think thats the proposal here?

 

[Deleted member 9648]

If the existing RCD is duff, I would have no qualms with replacing it with something like for like. Don't think thats the proposal here?

It's not...but if HHD wants to replace it with a 30ma unit to suit his purposes all he has to do is state on the cert it was replaced because it was duff. Who's going to know any different.

 

[123]

@happyhippydad don't think it's been asked, but why does this customer want 30mA RCD protection on all circuits...and also what works are you actually undertaking for him?

 

[SparkyChick]

My post says deleted, but that was edited by me, cause I was far too late to the party to ask if it was a TT system.

I think that was me

 

[Toneyz]

I'm not sure if its a TT or not. Could you tell me why that makes a difference?
I dont want to change it but that is what the customer is asking for. Ive given him the alternatives but he is adamant thats what he wants.

It makes a difference as if it is a TT the high earth loop impedance would be too high for the protective device (MCB) to operate therefore in this instance years ago when this consumer unit was installed a 100mA RCD main switch was fitted. I asked if the existing was faulty if it is a like for like is maintenance if you are installing a 30mA is fitted it is a change of the original design. I do not understand why the customer is telling you the electrician what the design is to overcome compliance with the latest regs of the work undertaken. I am suspecting that they do not want (or pay for)a stand-alone RCD for each circuit you are altering/addition to apologies if my assumption is incorrect.

 

[123]

I think that was me

I think you must be deleting too many posts and getting forgetful
My post that says deleted merely said "Is a TT system". Posted right after HHD posted to say he didn't know.

Had to check and see if I had a second post that said deleted

 

[SparkyChick]

I think you must be deleting too many posts and getting forgetful
My post that says deleted merely said "Is a TT system". Posted right after HHD posted to say he didn't know.

Had to check and see if I had a second post that said deleted

Must have been somebody else's I deleted then... but your's has gone now

 

[TJ Anderson]

HHD, if it was me, I would Just replace it with 30ma and put on EIC it was like for like. If it does nuisance trip, and I would pray that it does sometimes lol then it will be a nuisance for the home owner........who deserves it as he has been a nuisance to you by telling you your job

 

[westward10]

I think from the back of my mind the difference is one is designated as the main switch hence WSEM(ain) and the other was for the split load board hence WSES(plit). Are they interchangeable theoretically no, will it fit probably.

 

[Toneyz]

According to my old Wylex Cat. 1995 and taking the point Westward10 made regarding M it is an 80mm RCD and was available in 40, 80 & 100A with 100mA trip only The S one was only available up to 80A in 30mA I think your best bet is to ask Wylex if it will fit but the way the catalogue is set out it seems not as you would not have the M or S.

 

[westward10]

Sounds like my memory is correct Ant.

 

[Midwest]

It's not...but if HHD wants to replace it with a 30ma unit to suit his purposes all he has to do is state on the cert it was replaced because it was duff. Who's going to know any different.

HHD will.

We've all told little white lies, or down things we shouldn't have; thats up to the individual.

In this case, after installing the new 30mA RCD, he could ended going back there more times than he might like.

We all know its not the correct thing to do, hence why HHD has posted here to convince him otherwise.

 

[HappyHippyDad]

HHD, if it was me, I would Just replace it with 30ma and put on EIC it was like for like. If it does nuisance trip, and I would pray that it does sometimes lol then it will be a nuisance for the home owner........who deserves it as he has been a nuisance to you by telling you your job

He really is a bit of a nuisance TJ, one of those that simple will not listen to reason, whereas most customers listen to your advice and take it. Your post made me laugh

I think from the back of my mind the difference is one is designated as the main switch hence WSEM(ain) and the other was for the split load board hence WSES(plit). Are they interchangeable theoretically no, will it fit probably.

Thanks for that Westward, thats useful info.

According to my old Wylex Cat. 1995 and taking the point Westward10 made regarding M it is an 80mm RCD and was available in 40, 80 & 100A with 100mA trip only The S one was only available up to 80A in 30mA I think your best bet is to ask Wylex if it will fit but the way the catalogue is set out it seems not as you would not have the M or S.

As above Anthony, thanks.

 

[HappyHippyDad]

Sounds like my memory is correct Ant.

I've contacted Wylex tech, they have 2 people working there, one is on holiday and one is sick! I've sent an email so when I get the answer I'll let you know...... but only if you're wrong as otherwise you'll just show off.

 

[westward10]

I would like to know as this is only something in the back of my mind, I could be completely wrong.