RCD Protection (Electrics)

[oldernowiser]

I have an old-style fuse box in my new flat, although it does have MCBs. But it doesnt give me RCD protection. Is there a cheap way of getting this, or do I need an electrician to fit a modern fuse-box?

[buildersmate]

Given that you are going to have to break into the ring circuits of the house to install the RCD on the appropriate circuits, I reckon the most cost-effective way of doing this is with a new 'split' consumer unit (CU). The price of the box is peanuts - around �20 - its the price of the RCD and MCBs that go in it that cost the money. However depending on the style of the MCBs it would be perfectly possible to re-use them - if they fit to the CU busbars. Although I am not a qualified electrician (and Raysparxs will probably give us both chapter and verse) I reckon a day of an electrician would be sufficient to switch the CU over. You cannot do it yourself because of Part P Building Regs - well you can, but you'd have to make a BC Application so building control could come and inspect your work afterwards.

[raysparx1]

Hi, Thanks for recomendation buidersmate, will try to help. it may be possible for you to fit what is called an "RCBO" which is in effect an rcd that replaces an MCB in your consumer unit, all you have to do is remove MCB controlling sockets with the rcbo, the lives and neutral attach to it and small wire goes to earth terminal ask local sparky to check if it is possible to get one to fit the unit you have,
Or you could have an RCD fitted between meter and unit this would give RCD protection on whole installation, the down side to this is, it may trip if lamp goes or you get slight fault on cooker ring etc, you then lose all power, so I would not go for that. but it is cheap way to give RCD protection. only trouble is if you want consumer unit changed is, the earthing might not be up to current standards which would bump up the cost of work, lso then it would need complete check on installation. good luck, Ray

[oldernowiser]

Thanks for the advice guys - very helpful - think will try the RCBO route if poss