A Newbie Question about Circuit-Breakers - hi!

[fishtank]

Hello. I am new to the forum and just wanted to introduce myself. I'm actually trying to answer a question about why it is that I need to use an additional ("plug in") circuit-breaker for my lawnmower when all of my main sockets are hard-wired plugs that are rooted to a mains circuit-breaker, anyway? It's nice to be here. Thanks. Owen.

 

[Deleted member 9648]

If the sockets are fed through an RCD in the CU there is no point whatsoever in using an additional RCD plug in device......however not all installations have RCD protection to socket circuits,so check or get it checked if you are not sure.

 

[fishtank]

If the sockets are fed through an RCD in the CU there is no point whatsoever in using an additional RCD plug in device......however not all installations have RCD protection to socket circuits,so check or get it checked if you are not sure.

What is a CU? Central Unit? I'm not technical - I know that whenever the lights or toaster goes we need to flick the trip switches to reset things...

 

[Marvo]

CU - consumer unit. The electrical box with the circuit breakers inside.

This one has RCD protection built in so the additionalplug-in breaker isn't needed;


This one has no RCD so the additional unit would be a safer option

 

[fishtank]

I like the picture of your dog. :thinking:

My CU definitely looks like the one with RCD protection but what specifically is it that I should look for...the red switches of the right?? Presumably it will say on a sticker next to the trigger whether it's RCD? I will look tomorrow and get back in touch...and thanks for those pictures

 

[Marvo]

The red switch n the right is exactly that, just a red switch. You need to be looking for a circuit breaker or two circuit breakers with a test button that's supposed to get pressed every month or two to check it's still working. In the first picture you can see them with their yellow test buttons.