Rcd Main Switch For One Circuit?

[mk1rob]

Hi guys,

I've been asked to install some down lights in a bathroom. The lighting circuit isn't RCD protected in the consumer unit and there are no spare ways to move it over. (Its the old type of wylex board that won't fit RCBO's in either)

Is it ok to put a 2 Way RCD consumer unit in next to the existing consumer unit or should I put a 2 Way 100A Main Switch consumer unit in with an 6A RCBO for the lights? Obviously the first option would be cheaper for the customer but it would mean the RCD was the main switch for that board even though its only feeding the one circuit anyway. Any advice on best way to do it?

Thanks

 

[SPECIAL LOCATION]

My thoughts are.....

1/  how about an RCD fused spur wired into the lighting circuit adjacent to the fuse box?

http://www.screwfix.com/p/13a-30ma-double-pole-passive-rcd-connection-unit/40097

2/ Have you had any formal training or should this be in DIY?

If you have had some "formal" training...  ask for a refund of the fees you paid..

As this really is very very very basic design...

There are numerous ways to do this work and to comply with BS7671.

some cheaper, some more expensive..

ALL very basic..  that any person competent to work alone should be able to evaluate without having to ask...

:coat

But bottom line...  You Are Fitting Some Lights...  How hard can it be to design & price the job? 

:shakehead

 

[binky]

calm down Specs, at least he asked instead of bodging.

there is a 3rd option, put rcd beside board for that circuit in its own enlcosure, so circuit come from existing board to rcd in an enclousre then off to lights.

 

[SLIPSHOD & SLAPDASH]

Unless all the bonding is up to spec  (which i doubt since you want to fit an Rcd) then any other electrics that may already be in the bathroom also should be Rcd protected.

 

[Blue Duck]

^^^^A lot of PME supply's have 10mm bonding although I found one the other day with 6mm to the water, boards are usually 3036 or simplex mcb's on ex council jobs.

I like binkys solution but This rcd spur is cheaper but a bit of a pig to wire.

http://www.screwfix.com/p/safetysure-13a-rcd-fused-spur-white/26963

 

[M107]

I do the same as Binks

 

[ProDave]

Another option is just a double pole rcbo in a 2 module enclosure.  I've done that when space for an additional CU has been REALLY tight.

 

[SBS Dave]

I do a 1-module 2-pole Compact RCBO in a 2-module enclosure for just £17.00 + VAT

The enclosure is only 50mm wide.

SBS Dave

 

[binky]

I've always liked the wylex enclosure WPD use for isolator switches when they fit them - decent cable entries suitable for meter tails when working with those. Just that no one stocks them locally and I never get around to ordering them in when I need them. Don't like the price though :slap

http://www.fastlec.co.uk/wylex-100a-dp-mains-switch-enclosure-supply-isolator-p-14050.html#.UvQFCLSIm8o

 

[steptoe]

I've always liked the wylex enclosure WPD use for isolator switches when they fit them - decent cable entries suitable for meter tails when working with those. Just that no one stocks them locally and I never get around to ordering them in when I need them. Don't like the price though :slap

http://www.fastlec.co.uk/wylex-100a-dp-mains-switch-enclosure-supply-isolator-p-14050.html#.UvQFCLSIm8o

REC2 's  & REC4 's

I prob fit 2 or three of these a week, wouldnt fit anything else tbh,

havent yet found anything that comes close to getting tails into simply, neatly, and maintaining IP.

 

[batty]

The DNO ones are better have two screws on the main switch. I personally think all main switches should have two screws on each terminal. They always used to.