Difference between spilt load and dual RCD?

[Stormflex]

As the title - what is the difference?

I plan on replacing my CCU (MK Sentry) with a dual RCD and see spilt load mentioned but am not 100% clear on the difference.

Additionally...

I currently have 2x lights, 2x sockets and 1x cooker circuit on there. The 2x sockets are on the single RCD.

I know Screwfix has a good deal on a 10-way populated dual RCD MK Sentry but I don't think it'll fit in the kitchen cupboard. I guess I'd only find out by buying one and seeing if it'll fit the gap.

Anyone know of any alternative deals? It doesn't need to be 10-way, as you can see.

Thanks

Rich

 

[IQ Electrical]

Here's a quick guide to consumer unit terminology:

http://www.hager.co.uk/files/download/0/2802_1/0/consumer_unit_guide.pdf

 

[telectrix]

first, a dual RCD board is a split load board. the load is split between 2 RCDs. older split load boards ( 16th Ed.) would be similar, but only part of the installation would be RCD, the other part being fed directly from the main switch to the mcbs. Second. for the amount of circuits you,ve got, it would be better to use a RCBO arrangement, say an 8 way board to allow for future expansion, and because you then don't need 2 RCDs, the board will be much smaller and more easily fitted in a confined space. the cost difference would be quite small, and you then have the convenience of tripping affecting only the circuit with the fault.

 

[Stormflex]

Thanks for the link IQ.

telectrix - A good suggestion which I'll look into.

I seem to recall that when testing the installation and RCBOs are present there are some additional precautions to take, i.e. disconnecting them. I don't recall which test this is for - I suspect it was IR.

 

[telectrix]

when doing IR test, you would take the L and N out of the load side of the RCBO to test the circuit.