Obsolete RCBO's

[bobsmate]

I've been asked to extend a lighting circuit for someone, which will obviously mean putting the lighting circuit onto an RCBO. The only problem is the consumer unit is a square d qwikline, but the older version, and when i rang the wholesaler they told me that the older version of this make is now obsolete.

So my question to you is back at the consumer unit would i need to put in a small 2 way unit with a seperate rcbo or, to keep the cost down could i put in an rcd switched fused spur?

 

[flameport]

and

next to the existing fusebox/consumer unit.

Cheaper and more expensive versions are available.

The lighting doesn't have to be on an RCD either. Depends on what cables are used and where they are installed.

 

[bobsmate]

Is that just a double pole rcd?

The cables are twin and earth pvc/pvc and are capped down some walls.

 

[flameport]

Is that just a double pole rcd?

Yes.

The existing circuit cable goes into the RCD, and you add a short piece of cable from the RCD to the circuit breaker or fuse in the consumer unit

 

[bobsmate]

Thanks for your help, that's what i was planning on doing but was gonna do it with an rcbo and was just wondering about the prices.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

I've been asked to extend a lighting circuit for someone, which will obviously mean putting the lighting circuit onto an RCBO.

There are alternatives:

• Steel conduit for the new drops you install.
• BS 8436 cable for ditto.
• External RCD as above.
• External RCD FCU.

 

[RF Lighting]

Are they this type MCB currently?

 

[bobsmate]

Are they this type MCB currently?

Yeah they are the ones.

 

[RF Lighting]

You can still get them, but having seen the price, I'd go with the suggestions above

 

[ColJack]

they did make rcbo's for those boards, but you'll be hard pressed to find one somewhere..

 

[RF Lighting]

Gold Dust

 

[bobsmate]

Gold Dust

Ok, well i think i'll go with the original idea then . Also will any double pole rcd work so long as its 30mA. Does it matter if the rcd is rated at 80amps? So long as the cable runs through the 6 amp mcb first of all.

 

[ColJack]

available in 16, 20 and 32A from RS.. but at £100+ each!!! a new 17th board would work out cheaper..

 

[GaryMo]

Also will any double pole rcd work so long as its 30mA. Does it matter if the rcd is rated at 80amps? So long as the cable runs through the 6 amp mcb first of all.

Yes, any 30mA RCD and no it doesn't matter that the RCD is rated at 80A. It just means it's good for switching a load of up to 80A.
Your MCB will be providing overload protection.