Connecting RCD to a consumer unit

maxwellm · 22 Jul 2004

Hello all

I have just installed a 7kw shower (6mm cable) with 45amp pull cord. The c/u is a 60 amp 5 way board, so I need to change this as well as the diversity required in the house will out strip the usage. My question is, can I add a 30ma RCD directly to the new board instead of a separate shower unit? I will be installing a 30 amp MCB into the new c/u. would I be correct in assuming that I need to connect the new 30ma RCD to the 30 amp MCB in series?

Any help would be appreciated.
Also could the correct wiring be shown, i.e. phase, neutral on both the RCd and MCB?

Many thanks

plugwash · 22 Jul 2004

the normal way with domestic consumer units nowadays is a split load

this means you have an isolating switch which turns off everything and a rcd which covers some but not all of the circuits

maxwellm · 22 Jul 2004

thanks Plugwash

Can i ask if i was to install a split load c/u, would this mean if any short or earth leakage in the shower unit trip the RCD?. Also would a 63amp 30 ma RCD be ok for the board?

thanks

breezer · 22 Jul 2004

depends if its split load, if it is / not and you put the shower on the rcd side then yes it will trip.

yes

plugwash · 22 Jul 2004

most split boards have a 80A 30ma rcd (remember its not just covering the shower cuircuit)

something like this
http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro.jsp?ts=31355&id=64020

maxwellm · 22 Jul 2004

thanks Guys

Could i go back to my original question, Is it ok to add a RCD to a new c/u without opting for a split board?

breezer · 22 Jul 2004

if is designed to fit inside it then yes

maxwellm · 22 Jul 2004

Thankyou, could you advise me of the correct connection of the terminals from the RCD to MCB, or is it a simple , phase for phase , neutral for neutral etc

breezer · 22 Jul 2004

if you buy one "off the shelf" it will be done for you

ban-all-sheds · 23 Jul 2004

maxwellm said:
I have just installed a 7kw shower (6mm cable) with 45amp pull cord.

When the day comes to replace the shower, and you heave a sigh of relief because you can at last get one that works properly you'll deeply regret not installing 10mm² cable in the first place....

keith rawes · 9 Aug 2004

what size tails should i run from the rcd unit for an 8kw electric shower to the fuse board ? no room in fuse board to make of the tails, whats the best way to make this?

ban-all-sheds · 9 Aug 2004

Best leave this to the new topic you've started, but basically you don't feed the RCD from the CU - the tails should come from the meter via a Henley block.

keith rawes · 9 Aug 2004

cheers , henly block now on order

ban-all-sheds · 10 Aug 2004

Have you thought how you're going to cable it up?

keith rawes · 10 Aug 2004

open to any advise, not fitted a henley block before, looking forward to it

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Connecting RCD to a consumer unit

breezer

breezer

breezer

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