Small 17th Edition CU's

[davetheglitz]

Often I need to replace an old Wylex with a 17th edition board where space is very limited. Up to now I have been using the Denmans Basics 8 way board which is pretty compact - but I've found the quality has dropped over the last few months to the extent that I need to find an alternative. Any suggestions?

Cheers

Dave

 

[Lurch]

MK Sentry boards are reasonably compact width wise but are also fairly tall so you still have a reasonable amount of wiring space.

 

[davetheglitz]

Thanks - but as far as I'm aware 10 way is the smallest MK - do they do an 8 way?

I've only ever fitted two MK boards - and in both cases they were supplied with a faulty breaker - never had this with Hager or Denmans basics. Perhaps I'm just unlucky - but it's put me off them!

 

[davetheglitz]

Has anyone used these? http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/CPDS088P.html Look to be a useful size and not too pricey - however I thought Contactum had gone bust!

 

[Lurch]

Thanks - but as far as I'm aware 10 way is the smallest MK - do they do an 8 way?

I've fitted smaller than a 10 way MK board recently, there's even a pic of it on here somewhere, pretty sure it was a 6 way.

As for faulty manufacturers, the way I look at it is nothing is 100% perfect so it is guaranteed someone will get something that is faulty from any manufacturer, just some brands you have more chance of getting that faulty item(s).

 

[batty]

Contactum are trading again. I usually go Rcbo route used a contactum board once but not enough room in them for Rcbo's soo don't tend to use them now. No problem with board I fitted although that was Rcbo's.

 

[ianmacd]

These any use?

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Consumer_Units_Index/MK_Sentry_Weatherproof_Enc/index.html

 

[batty]

When you say 17th edition board do you mean with two Rcd's? Trouble with 17th edition boards you loose 6 ways with main switch and two Rcd's so they are quite big to start with. As said I go Rcbo route as if there are only six ways its a lot less bother than a 17 th edition board. Slightly dearer but less call backs.

 

[Lurch]

When you say 17th edition board do you mean with two Rcd's?

I wouldn;t have thought so. 17th edition boards can be anything, this thread I believe refers to small CU with main switch and RCBO's.

 

[davetheglitz]

Sorry guys - I did mean the main switch + 2 RCD versions - looking for the best compromise of cheap and small!!! I don't think I could compete down here using the RCBO route!

Thanks

 

[Lurch]

Sorry guys - I did mean the main switch + 2 RCD versions - looking for the best compromise of cheap and small!!! I don't think I could compete down here using the RCBO route!

I see, when you said less than 10 way I assumed you were after RCBO options as a 4 way Wylex would need a 10 module board if it was replaced with a dual RCD unit.

Maybe you'd be better making your own board then from an enclosure and the bits seperate?

 

[M107]

I used a pro-electric cu & rcbo's from cpc a couple of weeks ago not to bad on price.

Or get a standard wylex/hager etc etc cu enclosure & use compatible rcbo's from the forum sponsor, rcbo's @

 

[davetheglitz]

I used a pro-electric cu & rcbo's from cpc a couple of weeks ago not to bad on price.Or get a standard wylex/hager etc etc cu enclosure & use compatible rcbo's from the forum sponsor, rcbo's @

 

[Lurch]

Pro-Elec, available from CPC.

Cheap lamps don;t trip RCD's.

 

[Apache]

Dave - I have the CPC Trade Secrets catalogue here.

They do a 4,8,10,14 & 18 way enclosure with a main switch. The 8 way is

 

[davetheglitz]

Thanks!

However - whenever my trip has gone I always find a blown bulb. Similarly with many clients. Too much circumstantial evidence to ignore. See your point - I'm not sure of the mechanism - but reckon there can be a path to earth on chandeliers etc.

 

[Lurch]

Pro-electric brand.

FTFY as well.

 

[davetheglitz]

Thanks Guys,

I've seen CPC being sponsors of Dollhouse (brilliant sci-fi - a must see!!!) - must check up on the catalogue!

Sorry - nerdy side coming out!

 

[sparkytim]

Thanks!However - whenever my trip has gone I always find a blown bulb. Similarly with many clients. Too much circumstantial evidence to ignore. See your point - I'm not sure of the mechanism - but reckon there can be a path to earth on chandeliers etc.

Is that the RCD trip or RCBO OR MCB?

If one of the latter two then normal for 6a MCB or RCBO as it sees the lamp blowing as a short. 10 A if circuit complies will minimise problem I find or 6A Ctype RCBO

 

[davetheglitz]

Is that the RCD trip or RCBO OR MCB?If one of the latter two then normal for 6a MCB or RCBO as it sees the lamp blowing as a short. 10 A if circuit complies will minimise problem I find or 6A Ctype RCBO

I'm talking RCD main switch trip. TT is common around here and it certainly a pattern that you see.