Is there such a thing as

Spark123 · Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2009 4:05 pm Post Subject:

Wonder if you'll get away with just swopping the 100mA RCD for a 30mA RCD??
The 100mA wont have been installed for protection on a TT system as everything to the left of it wont have been protected.

JohnD · Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2009 4:09 pm Post Subject:

it is probably seized. If you buy a new part you will see how it fits in. An MCB will be a lot cheaper than an RCBO. I don't know if they can be lubricated safely. If it was me I would probably try to lever it out. You must put pressure on the busbar to resist your pull or it might break out of the CU. The busbar is thickish copper with a plastic jacket and fairly rigid. You can take the whole assembly out but I don't think you can safely do with with incoming power connected.

I can't rember if your model has a clip to a DIN-rail as well. I think there is a tag at the bottom towards the back of the MCB to release a clip with a small screwdriver.
http://i.ebayimg.com/09/!Bb4QvpgBmk~$(KGrHqMH-CMEqt2V40FVBKyHzL6C5Q~~_12.JPG

Other brands, and the previous model of Starbreaker, fasten the MCBs to the busbar with screws so you can undo them and release the clip. This is easier but will not fit your CU.

It does not sound like a DIY job, I think you will have to save up for a pro.

ban-all-sheds · Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2009 4:15 pm Post Subject:

STI wrote:

i believe it met the requirements when it was wired up about 9 years ago.

I'm afraid your belief is incorrect.

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STI · Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2009 4:24 pm Post Subject:

Yes each of the MCB's does have a black tab like bit on its base at the back which is covering the connection point to the busbar.

Thanks everyone for their help.

Ban all sheds as i said it was done before my time so do you think it was a shoddy job or set up like this for some other reason.

ban-all-sheds · Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2009 4:37 pm Post Subject:

There can have been no "reason" for doing it like that - it's just shoddy work done by someone ignorant and incompetent.

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STI · Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2009 5:04 pm Post Subject:

Ban All sheds. Was there a requirement in the 16th edition, (is this what was in place say 9 years ago), for electric showers to be on a 30ma RCD.

If not why would whoever it was that did this bother to put a RCD in at all. Wouldnt it have been cheaper just to stick a rack of MCBs in or maybe even a 30ma RCD as it would have been cheaper than a 100ma.

I am genuinely interested in understanding why the 100ma RCD is there.

Spark123 · Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2009 5:14 pm Post Subject:

The 16th edn IEE regs didn't require an RCD for a shower. Of course, if the manufacturer specified one then this over-rules the IEE regs and one had to be installed.
In anycase, a 100mA RCD does not provide any supplementary protection against direct contact, only 30mA or below and not Type S devices can be used for that.
The only time I can think of in domestics that 100mA TD RCDs were used is where there is a 30mA normal type device downstream so they will discriminate.

ban-all-sheds · Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2009 5:19 pm Post Subject:

STI wrote:

Ban All sheds. Was there a requirement in the 16th edition, (is this what was in place say 9 years ago), for electric showers to be on a 30ma RCD.

No.

But then there isn't one in the 17th either.

Quote:

If not why would whoever it was that did this bother to put a RCD in at all.

Ignorance and incompetence?

Quote:

Wouldnt it have been cheaper just to stick a rack of MCBs in or maybe even a 30ma RCD as it would have been cheaper than a 100ma.

Yup.

Quote:

I am genuinely interested in understanding why the 100ma RCD is there.

Ignorance and incompetence?

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Spark123 · Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2009 5:20 pm Post Subject:

I'll have to disagree with your comment on not having to use a 30mA RCD to comply with the 17th edn regs for bathrooms.

ban-all-sheds · Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2009 5:25 pm Post Subject:

What's your name, Mark Coles?

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STI · Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2009 5:29 pm Post Subject:

If its me youre asking, No my name isnt Mark Coles

MarkColes · Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2009 6:09 pm Post Subject:

Spark123 wrote:

I'll have to disagree with your comment on not having to use a 30mA RCD to comply with the 17th edn regs for bathrooms.

I agree with Spark123

ban-all-sheds · Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2009 7:27 pm Post Subject:

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