17th Edition Dual RCD Consumer units

[RB2004]

Hi, just a quick query about them,

previous to 17th edition, I understand it as most installations had the RCD Protecting Sockets only.. presumebly mainly because not only that was a requirement.. but also so that if a socket tripped the RCD it didnt knock out the lighting?

on the new consumer units with dual RCDs then, can 1 RCD be used for lighting? and the other for Sockets? so when a socket trips the RCD it doesnt effect the lighting.. then use the unprotected ways for things like smoke alarms by use of an RCBO.

or is it part of the requirements that lighting and socket circuits are split? so that if a lighting circuit or socket circuit trips you still have some live circuits in the house. rather than all lighting goinh out, or all sockets.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Or you have some lighting circuits on one RCD and some on the other..

 

[Taylortwocities]

RB, with respect. i hope that you arent thinking of installing/changing a consumer unit.

Your knowledge seems to be, well, less than adequate in this area..

 

[Chri5]

Single point of failure.

Fan circuits over 2 RCD's and have socket circuits on different RCD's and ditto lights.

A ground floor would have at least 2 rings, so kitchen RCD 1 main grd flr RCD 2, Lights grd RCD 1 and lights 1st RCD 2 etc.

The direct way is for RCBO and direct MCB use- smoke detectors and leaky cookers being examples.

There's a huge argument for RCBO's for all circuits, but that could work out at £300 cost for 8w + board against £100 for a duel RCD unit no RCBO's.