Presumed broken RCD in consumer unit

[themaw]

Hello folks

Having moved into our house and got comfortable I found myself looking at the consumer unit today. It's a split unit made by Proteus with lighting circuits on the right and sockets on the left protected by an RCD. I thought it best to give the RCD a quick test. Pressing the test button had no effect whatsoever..

Would this RCD be easy to replace? I'm assuming this is a job for an electrician. Would it cost much to do?

Also, if it isn't currently working, is my electric shower that sits on a circuit 'protected' by this RCD safe to use?

 

[Spark123]

The RCD should be pretty easy to replace however the new one will need to be tested to ensure it operates quickly enough hence a sparky with a tester is required.
I wouldn't like to say if your shower is safe to use, the regs didn't used to specify one however sometimes the manufacturer did.

 

[themaw]

Thanks for your quick response...

It's baths for us for now

 

[RF Lighting]

I also had a failed proteus RCD myself this week.

Horrible brand.

 

[Lectrician]

Me too, just this morning. A house thats just 4 yrs old.

 

[hairyben]

I also had a failed proteus RCD myself this week.

Horrible brand.

at least it's cheap and horrible though.

I had to replace an mem the other week, coulda bought a complete 16th board for less than them crooks wanted for the RCD

 

[JACKC]

If the test button is not tested every 3 months as recommended then the mechanics of the RCD sometimes jam, escpecially if not done for years. I would operate the main switch part of the rcd a few times to see if it frees off. Reset it and then use the test to see it it clears. May save a few quid for a needless swap. If doesn't work then will need replacing.

 

[DESL]

Reset it and then use the test to see it it clears. May save a few quid for a needless swap

But it would still be worth getting it electrically tested for your safety.

 

[securespark]

I also had a failed proteus RCD myself this week.

Horrible brand.

I had one a few weeks back. Went to do a functional test on it and when I pressed the button, it went,


BANG!!

 

[JohnD]

...I had to replace an mem the other week, coulda bought a complete 16th board for less than them crooks wanted for the RCD

list prices for "parts" are strangely high, I have known people who say it is cheaper to buy a complete CU and take out the bits they want.

 

[hairyben]

...I had to replace an mem the other week, coulda bought a complete 16th board for less than them crooks wanted for the RCD

list prices for "parts" are strangely high, I have known people who say it is cheaper to buy a complete CU and take out the bits they want.

Always been the way, and nothing new, if you ordered all the parts to build a new ford focus it'd probably cost you 2 or 3 times the assembled one.

My gripe is the RCD alone cost more than a rival branded assembly.