MCB and RCD in garage

[nickldn]

I'm planning to run electricity to my garage and have been speaking to an electrician about it today.

I just want to confirm my understanding of what I've been told and also think about the most cost effective way of doing it.

I've been told I need a MCB circuit breaker and also a seperate RCD circuit breaker for sockets, which would be used for lawnmowers etc.

What I'd like to know is would it be better to have a MCB consumer unit and RCD socket, or would an inline RCD be better.

Before anyone says so, yes I know I'm not an expert on these things and there are professionals who know better, but I'd like to understand what it is I'm paying for!

Many thanks,

Nick

 

[Spark123]

Either way is fine, as long as there are no unprotected concealed cables.

 

[nickldn]

OK the inline RCD sounds preferable, as it woud protect all the sockets, rather than being one per socket.

Where in the circuit does it go? I assume between the MCB and sockets?

Can anyone recommend a good one?

 

[Spark123]

Use an RCBO instead of an MCB (an RCBO is an MCB with an RCD inbuilt).
Your electrician should be able to advise, this work is notifiable to your LABC under part p of the building regs.

 

[nickldn]

Yes, RCBOs sound like the best of both worlds, but seem quite expensive in comparison.

 

[Spark123]

They are more expensive than MCBs but in using an RCBO you don't need to pay out for an RCCB with a separate enclosure or an RCCB in a consumer unit or sockets with a built in RCD.