Main switch in consumer unit

[Dambo]

Is the main switch in the consumer unit used only for isolation or can the main switch also be used as an RCD i.e. are there 2 different types?

 

[NozSpark]

You can have a RCD as a main switch instead of an isolator, but if you get an earth fault on any circuit they will all go off. Best is a ISO CU and RCBOs, but we often fit dual RCD boards to keep costs down.

 

[Dambo]

You can have a RCD as a main switch instead of an isolator, but if you get an earth fault on any circuit they will all go off. Best is a ISO CU and RCBOs, but we often fit dual RCD boards to keep costs down.

What do you mean when you say ISO?

 

[Apache]

What do you mean when you say ISO?

Isolator

 

[niceguy]

You CANNOT have an RCD as a main switch or isolator in a domestic installation.

 

[ianmacd]

You CANNOT have an RCD as a main switch or isolator in a domestic installation.

Doesnt that rather depend on other factors. Like 3 circuits, Lights, sockets and cooker so what would be the benefit of splitting those over 2 or more rcd's?

 

[Jono Pashley]

You CANNOT have an RCD as a main switch or isolator in a domestic installation.

Really, so a 100mA Time Delayed RCD as a main switch would be wrong. Erm no.

 

[Lurch]

You CANNOT have an RCD as a main switch or isolator in a domestic installation.

Yes you can.

 

[niceguy]

Indeed, but you still cannot have an RCD as main switch.

You would therefore need to install a standard 4 or 6 way cu with RCBO's.

 

[niceguy]

Really, so a 100mA Time Delayed RCD as a main switch would be wrong. Erm no.

Erm yes it would as all circuits must be protected by a 30mA.

 

[Lurch]

Indeed, but you still cannot have an RCD as main switch.

Yes you can. Where does it say you can;t?

You would therefore need to install a standard 4 or 6 way cu with RCBO's.

No you wouldn't.

Erm yes it would as all circuits must be protected by a 30mA.

That has nothing to do with it. And all circuits don;t have to be protected by a 30mA RCD anyway.

 

[Jono Pashley]

Erm yes it would as all circuits must be protected by a 30mA.

Wrong yet again. Depends on how the circuit is installed and what its for.

 

[niceguy]

I really cant believe some of the replies i am reading here.

Maybe a read of the regs will help you?????

Its there for a reason.

You cannot have an RCD as a main switch due to nuisance tripping IN A DOMESTIC INSTALLATION.

The OP asked if you could have an RCD as a main switch, to which the answer is no, due to the above.

 

[androiduk2002]

HERE WE GO AGAIN :_| :_| :_|

 

[Lurch]

I really cant believe some of the replies i am reading here.Maybe a read of the regs will help you?????

Its there for a reason.

I'd also take a quick look yourself.

You cannot have an RCD as a main switch due to nuisance tripping IN A DOMESTIC INSTALLATION.

Yes you can.

The OP asked if you could have an RCD as a main switch, to which the answer is no, due to the above.

It isn't. If the system is designed properly the RCD as a main switch will not be an issue.

As I've said before, I'm all for a good discussion\argument but you're just arguing for the sake of it.

 

[ianmacd]

I really cant believe some of the replies i am reading here.Maybe a read of the regs will help you?????

Its there for a reason.

You cannot have an RCD as a main switch due to nuisance tripping IN A DOMESTIC INSTALLATION.

The OP asked if you could have an RCD as a main switch, to which the answer is no, due to the above.

Try including reg numbers when claiming regs support your side please.

 

[roys]

My CU (consumer unit before we go down that road) only has one RCD and it is the isolator as well. I believe it was fitted in 1988. I have had no nuisance trips and it is tested regulary.

Cheers Steve

 

[Jono Pashley]

As I've said before, I'm all for a good discussion\argument but you're just arguing for the sake of it.

90% of the guys posts ignore everything anyone else says.

 

[Lurch]

My CU (consumer unit before we go down that road) only has one RCD and it is the isolator as well. I believe it was fitted in 1988. I have had no nuisance trips and it is tested regulary.

Yes, it's a common scenario. However, that exact setup wouldn't pass an inspection assuming the RCD is 30mA and you live in a 2 storey semi. Usually it's done for cheapness, not the best way TBH.

 

[niceguy]

that exact setup wouldn't pass an inspection assuming the RCD is 30mA

Isnt that something along the lines of what i was TRYING to get across?

headbang