RCD Tripping

[JohnD]

M2

can you post some pics?

 

[lisac]

It is a M2 which is the same a MK?? I did post a picture last time and if I remember you didn't recognize it, you thought it was from Japan.

So what you are saying, even without anything plugged in to any sockets a leak can be detected, ie from wires in damp walls etc?

Thanks

 

[RF Lighting]

M2 are the same CU as MK, similar to pedigree chum is the same food as fillet steak

 

[lisac]

Should I take a pinch of salt with that steak!!

 

[lisac]

JohnD, I still have the pics I sent last time on my computer but I can't remember how to do it. I think you directed me to another site last time, can I attach from here?

 

[RF Lighting]

Just done some googling, and M2 consumer units are made by proteus.

That is one of CEF's own brands, and not the best quality on the market.



http://www.proteusswitchgear.co.uk/product_details.asp?product=4169

 

[securespark]

not the best quality on the market.

You can say that again, kid!

 

[JohnD]

but at least it says
"Units will accept 6kA and 10kA MCBs, RCBOs and Dinrail mounted HRC carriers"
Can't see a price though http://www.proteusswitchgear.co.uk/product_details.asp?product=4219


//www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=99672

 

[lisac]

So is it possible to be a faulty consumer unit?

 

[lisac]

but at least it says
"Units will accept 6kA and 10kA MCBs, RCBOs and Dinrail mounted HRC carriers"
Can't see a price though http://www.proteusswitchgear.co.uk/product_details.asp?product=4219


//www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=99672[/QUOTE]

Sorry JohnD, is this the type of RCBOs my unit would take??

 

[securespark]

Can't see a price though

As much as the ******** ***** can get for it. They'd sell their mothers, that lot.

 

[JohnD]

I wouldn't have thought it was caused by a faulty CU. Slim chance there could be a bad connection in there.

If you were finding yourself spending a lot of money tracking down the prob, you could go for a first-class maker like MEM, who have a very convenient RCBO assembly. Not cheap, though. Crabtree are also good though I'm not keen on their latest Starbreaker with the tongue - it seems inflexible to me.

Even MK CUs have gone downhill over the past ten yeas or so (though their switches and sockets still seem good)

 

[lisac]

JohnD, are we talking loads of money here? Hundreds or Thousands??

 

[JohnD]

RCBOs might be £50 each (list price is higher but "no-one pays list")

A CU (empty box) might be £40 (buy a good big one with room for future expansion). It does not need to be split-load if you are going for the superior RCBO method.

MCBs might be £5 to £7

Fitting it including the tests and certification might be a day's work or so. If the existing installlation is quite new and in good condition it should be easier than usual

So I think we're talking hundreds. On the upside, you would be left with a better-quality installation, more reliable and with a longer life, and with RCBOs which will have fewer nuisance trips, and will enable you to identify which circuit is causing them.

Everybody has their own favourite, I happen to like MEM because they make a lot of Industrial and Commercial equipment, where a single failure can cost many thousands in lost production, so they have to be very reliable and long-lived.

 

[lisac]

Well JohnD, yet again you have given good advice! I really think we are going to be left with no option but to change the cu, not sure I would rely on our electrician to purchase us good quality materials though judging by the comments on the cu we have!

Again thanks a lot for your help and to everyone else that offered advice.