Hi all
New to this forum but have just spent the last couple of hours perusing!! Fantastic!!
Anyway, I am shortly going to install some 4mm 3 core SWA from an existing MCB (new split load board will be installed in the house) to a garage with a 30mA RCD and 2 x MCB (16 / 6 Amp) for sockets and lights. SWA buried to 24", marker tape e.t.c. So far so good.
1. The new split load CU: is it best to get a metal one or are the plastic ones equally as good? The only benefits I can see of a metal one are obviously it is tougher and the SWA can be glanded without need for the earth ring?? Right??
2. The kitchen is fed by a radial cct on a 20A MCB for dishwasher, washer, dryer, sockets). However, part of the ring main also goes through the kitchen and the fridge/freezer runs off the ring. The socket ring would be fitted to the RCD side of the new CU, but this means the fridge/freezer being on it. Is this the normal thing or do people generally try and fit it onto the non-RCD side of the CU with the lighting ccts??? What other ccts go on the non-RCD side?
Are split load boards with adjustable RCD/non-RCD sides better??? Am I using too many question marks
3. OUTSIDE lighting. I am going to install some outside lighting. Am i best using mains lighting or opting for low voltage? I know with mains I would have to run all cabling within conduit and bury it. With LV you can run the cabling on the surface (I intend to run the cabling within a planter running around my garden)
Hope all this makes sense, all answers very much appreciated!
New to this forum but have just spent the last couple of hours perusing!! Fantastic!!
Anyway, I am shortly going to install some 4mm 3 core SWA from an existing MCB (new split load board will be installed in the house) to a garage with a 30mA RCD and 2 x MCB (16 / 6 Amp) for sockets and lights. SWA buried to 24", marker tape e.t.c. So far so good.
1. The new split load CU: is it best to get a metal one or are the plastic ones equally as good? The only benefits I can see of a metal one are obviously it is tougher and the SWA can be glanded without need for the earth ring?? Right??
2. The kitchen is fed by a radial cct on a 20A MCB for dishwasher, washer, dryer, sockets). However, part of the ring main also goes through the kitchen and the fridge/freezer runs off the ring. The socket ring would be fitted to the RCD side of the new CU, but this means the fridge/freezer being on it. Is this the normal thing or do people generally try and fit it onto the non-RCD side of the CU with the lighting ccts??? What other ccts go on the non-RCD side?
Are split load boards with adjustable RCD/non-RCD sides better??? Am I using too many question marks
3. OUTSIDE lighting. I am going to install some outside lighting. Am i best using mains lighting or opting for low voltage? I know with mains I would have to run all cabling within conduit and bury it. With LV you can run the cabling on the surface (I intend to run the cabling within a planter running around my garden)
Hope all this makes sense, all answers very much appreciated!