Best consumer unit for fully rcbo install?

[sparkybird]

Hi all

I normally use Wylex but the space for a fully rcbo board isn't that fab....

Any recommendations? It's for domestic

Cheers

SB

 

[Taylortwocities]

I've done only one Wylex all RCBO install (I'll never do it again with Wylex). It was in a very tricky place up in a cupboard, which did not help!.

But there really isn't enough room in the enclosure once the neutrals are all laid in and locating the circuits into the top of the Wylex RCBOs is a bit hit and miss.

IMO Hager gives you a lot more room and you can unclip the top of the CU to give you even better access.

Contactum is also quite spacy, but a "budget" solution.

 

[Sherbertlion]

If you have space then how about using a TP board with single phasing kit. Loads of room and looks good! RCBO's usually cost a bit more though so not a cheap option.

 

[sparkybird]

thanks for replies folks

Space in the cupboard is a bit limited so TP board not an option - but I like the idea!

Contactum cheap carp... will look at the Hager option - although I hate the plastic 'screws' which hold the cover on - always a bit prone to being damaged

Hey ho, I'm never happy - maybe I should set about designing the perfect consumer unit!

Cheers

SB

 

[riveralt]

I tend now to only fit RCBO loaded cu's and so have tried a number.
There tends to be less of an issue when you are doing a rewire because you control the cables entry points and length - but when you are swopping a cu with the old wiring in place the space inside becomes more critical.
The best one I have found so far for either case is Denmans Curve RCBO loaded cu's - loads of space and many strategically placed entry points.
They're reasonably priced as well especially if you get them preloaded.

 

[sparkybird]

thanks for that. I'd want to see/have a play with the Denmans one first as it's a new one on me - don't seem to be any branches near me though (SW London)

 

[Taylortwocities]

don't seem to be any branches near me though (SW London)

No probs.
I see that you can get the curve all RCBO board from http://www.allaboutelectrics.co.uk/

the front page has a good picture, I didn't know about these, may be interesting for TTC too!

 

[streetlighter]

Ive fitted a Wylex all RCBO unit twice and it didnt leave much room to dress the cables in nicely.
Did an MK sentry all RCBO and it was really nice to work with plenty of room for dressing the cables into the breakers.
If cost is no issue i would recommend a Merlin Gerin Isobar unit very nice to work on and bags of space for cabling.

 

[1john]

Contactum are ok, good VFM I think although I do prefer Hager, I have done one wylex RCBO board, and never again!! An extra inch or so height would make all the difference.

 

[RF Lighting]

MK used to be great for all RCBO installs. There's still loads of room, but I'm not keen on the new style RCBOs.

They are a lot of money for the same quality as unbranded chinese devices.

I've not done an all RCBO on the new style hager CU but they always used to have plenty of room.

Wylex are rubbish for all RCBO, and just generally the quality is appauling for what is supposed to be a premium brand.

I'm quite liking BG. The quality seems to me to be on a par with wylex and the other lesser makes and the profit margins on them are really good.

 

[securespark]

What, the BG as in the B&Q £50 special?

I looked at that and it seemed a solid little thing.

BTW, those curve units are a brilliant idea. CGD, though, whether that taints your decision or not....

 

[sparkybird]

thanks again guys for your thoughts - will check out the options.

SB

 

[londonboy]

Wylex do an extra height board, no idea where my work get them from but the last letters of the code is '..EH'

 

[planemad]

I like using the Schneider Isobar for RCBO installs.
MK Sentry also.

 

[Peet]

Does anybody have a picture of the inards of the Curve Consumer unit they could put up? How high are they?

The Wylex EH range is extra height but it depends on how much room you're looking for. Standard CUs are 230mm high. The EH metal clad range, going by the 506EH I've got here, is 255mm high. Load it with 6 RCBOs and it's still pants.