RCBO Vs Mini RCBO

[padstar]

I want to order my CU and RCBO's. I have noticed that there is an option of standard and mini.

What do people use?

Can either/or be used in this CU Wylex NMDRS24HI 24

 

[opps]

I think that you need the miniature version but I am not an electrician...

https://www.electrium.co.uk/media/yx0kfr35/wylex-domestic-circuit-protection.pdf

 

[flameport]

Larger style are an older design with a permanent neutral and can be used with both styles of busbar.
Compact are newer and have a switched neutral, but can only be used with pin busbar, not the balcony style.

 

[padstar]

Is there any way of telling if this -> NMDRS24HI 24 is a newer or older? I cant seem to find an answer in their literature.

 

[flameport]

NM series are the current range and have pin busbars, designed for use with the compact RCBOs, MCBs and AFDDs.
NH is the older type with balcony busbars and isn't compatible.

NMDRS24HI is a twin stack consumer unit supplied with RCDs and intended for non-compliant installations from a decade or more ago. It's entirely the wrong choice for a new installation.

 

[JohnW2]

NMDRS24HI is a twin stack consumer unit supplied with RCDs and intended for non-compliant installations from a decade or more ago.

Was it even available "a decade or more ago"?

Why do you regard it as "non-compliant"? It is metal cased, has 3 RCDs plus provision for RCBOs and seems to have plenty of space to accommodate SPDs for those who feel the need?

Kind Regards, John

 

[padstar]

Why would this be non compliant if sold as part of the wylex current range. I have yet to find a CU with 20+ ways that is not a duplex unit.

 

[flameport]

3 RCDs over 24 circuits will be 6 or more circuits per RCD, even if some RCBOs were added.
Zero possibility of normal leakage current being under 9mA for 6+ circuits.
Plus the usual division of installation, inconvenience and the rest.

 

[flameport]

I have yet to find a CU with 20+ ways that is not a duplex unit.

Duplex isn't a problem.
The fact it's multiple circuits on one RCD is.
You need a unit with a main switch and space for as many RCBOs / AFDDs as there are circuits.
Such as this: https://www.falconelectrical.co.uk/wylex-nmd1112-23-way-100a-main-switch-flexible-duplex-unit

 

[padstar]

I had struggled to find and "empty" unit. The plan was to buy the NMDRS24HI and removed the rcd's and then install rcbos to all circuits. The one you have in the link is basically the empty version I was looking for.

On that basis I assume mini and standard rcbos are fine to use

Thanks

 

[flameport]

Either style of RCBO will fit. The compact ones will allow a lot more space for wiring.
You can't buy the RCD one and remove all of the RCDs, because the busbars will be too short and there won't be anything left to connect the lower busbar to the main switch.

 

[padstar]

They only have the 29 way units in stock. https://www.falconelectrical.co.uk/wylex-nmd1112-23-way-100a-main-switch-flexible-duplex-unit-1 I assume other than being a bit bigger there is no issue with going with that just need a few more blank plates

 

[padstar]

Is there any reg that staes that spare ways can't be blanked off? If I had 8 ways blanked off would that be an issue? I had always planned on a few to allow for future add ons as and when required (EV chargers etc)

 

[EFLImpudence]

Is there any reg that staes that spare ways can't be blanked off?

Of course not. What would be the alternative?

 

[padstar]

I managed to get the 23 way empty duplex panel. This will be perfect coupled with rcbo's for each circuit.