Single RCD board - changed to dual RCD board?

[highspark]

I want to encorporate an extra RCD into a single RCD board as you will know my problem is the neutral bars. In the present single RCD board there is only 2 neutral bars. If I was to change it I'd need to split one of the neutral bars into a 3rd for the outgoing neutrals of each RCD? Would this be bad practice in your eyes lads? It's either a separate dual RCD board. Or A small garage unit. Or split one of the neutral bars

 

[topquark]

Or use a mixture of RCBO's/MCB's on the non RCD protected neutral. Depending on the layout you need to achieve. Modifying the CU is not a good idea, unless using the mfg parts, as it may no longer comply with the british standard.

 

[telectrix]

why bother when you can get a 10way fully loaded board from b&q for £50?

 

[highspark]

I'm leaning towards that. But it's the customer and his choice. I didn't think adding an RCD to a board would be so hard but after looking at it it can't be done without making an extra neutral bar! Anyhow. Here's the fault. 2 rings on one RCD. Ring has 15 computers on. Intermittently the RCD trips when things are plugged in. I did a Zs on circuit and RCD tripped. My first thoughts are leakage currents of computers are reaching 30mA when certain things are plugged in. Also Zs tripped RCD. I'm going to ramp test RCD first to see what it's rating is. But any ideas other than what I've thought? What's the problem here guys. Throw me your opinions......

 

[AIM]

I've added 2nd RCD to a few single RCD boards [extra set of tails needed to supply RCD from main switch then additional neutral cable to third neutral bar]. It's often tidier to put the second RCD at the opposite side of the board from the first RCD [ie not in the middle]

Accumulated leakage from PC's is probable after more than 7 PC's connected to circuit. 0.5mA per item so could be 1 PC tower, 1 monitor and 1 printer per position. Very soon reach 22mA, close to tripping 30mA RCD.

 

[highspark]

Hi aim. How did you make the 3rd neutral bar as there is only 2 in single RCD board. I've sorted the tails etc.

 

[Kiers1970]

why bother when you can get a 10way fully loaded board from b&q for £50?

Are these any good? seen them the other day, can't remember the make..

 

[Jay Sparks]

why bother when you can get a 10way fully loaded board from b&q for £50?

Is this deal still on? I was gonna get an Mk from Eddys, 10way dual with mcbs for £79. But if its only £50 at B & Q then Ill go there.

Cheers

 

[topquark]

Split the equipment across two or three RFCs (or radials if easier) and two (or more) RCD's. RCBO's is definately easier given the problem you're trying to overcome (accumulated leakage from the supplied equipment).

 

[topquark]

why bother when you can get a 10way fully loaded board from b&q for £50?

What make, hasbro?

 

[Jay Sparks]

What make, hasbro?

Is'nt that what you get when you've been naughty? lol

 

[topquark]

Is'nt that what you get when you've been naughty? lol

Well, they make play-doh, so why not consumer units

 

[highspark]

Split the equipment across two or three RFCs (or radials if easier) and two (or more) RCD's. RCBO's is definately easier given the problem you're trying to overcome (accumulated leakage from the supplied equipment).

Hi topquark.

That's what I'm trying to achieve. Its already split over 2 rings but both rings are on the same RCD. I planned to add another RCD and put each ring in separate RCD but released I couldn't do it with only 2 neutral bars!!!. A new dual RCD boRd would be great but I may try an split a neutral bar. Anyhow any other spark coming along worth his salt would know what I've done. But I'm just split on whether it's bad practise

 

[topquark]

Why can't you just put the newly derived ring on an RCBO?

 

[Jay Sparks]

Hi High spark,

If you split the neutral bar, how would you fit/attach it in the board? Can you not use the other neutral bar (non rcd side) and any circuit on that bar, put on the new rcd? Or is it being used?

Cheers

Jay

 

[highspark]

Hi High spark,

If you split the neutral bar, how would you fit/attach it in the board? Can you not use the other neutral bar (non rcd side) and any circuit on that bar, put on the new rcd? Or is it being used?

Cheers

Jay

Can't do it mate because both outgoing neutrals from both RCD's will be on the same bar an it will cause problems back currents etc

 

[topquark]

If you don't need any unprotected ways then just protect the other neutral bar with an additional RCD is what he's suggesting.

 

[AIM]

Run additional neutral tail from RCD 2 [output side] to neutral bar 3.

 

[jase31]

What make, hasbro?

BG Nexus http://www.bgelectrical.co.uk/Circuit_Protection.html

 

[jase31]

What make, hasbro?

BG Nexus Circuit Protection