Do I need consumer unit changing?

[Jim153]

I've recently had 2 quotes for wiring a ground floor extension. One said I need the consumer unit changing while the other said that he could install rcbo's(?) instead of changing the unit for one with more space.



What at is everyone's opinion on this?

 

[Deleted member 9648]

Nothing wrong with your current setup. You have a split CU where the 5 circuits on the left are RCD protected and the 5 on the right are not. It is a standard 5+5 CU as normally installed prior to 2008.The present configuration has 1 RCD way spare,and 2 non-RCD ways spare. Any alterations and additions carried out as part of your extension will almost certainly require RCD protecting. RCBO's can be used on the non-RCD side,and as long as there are enough spare ways for new circuits then there is no need to replace the CU.
If more ways than the 3 spare are required then changing the CU for a larger capacity unit may be the preferred option,alternatively a separate CU for the new circuits could be installed and the existing left alone.

 

[amlu]

nothing wrong with the unit, hager is a good reliable brand and there is 3 spare ways.

 

[uksparks]

If I saw that and doing you a quote for your extension, I'd be happy to keep it and work with what's there, like others have said Hager is a good brand, I only fit Hager boards.

there are certain three spaces and you might even find that one of those breakers that is labelled may have nothing connected too.

 

[Darkwood]

A new board although not required would give you better personal protection coverage as you only have it on your sockets, cooker and water heater circuits, the decision at the end of the day would be yours if you decide on a new board it will more than likely be metal if fitted post July 1st.

If you have metal light fittings and switches I would make a recommendation to have you're lighting covered by rcd protection but again this is simply a recommendation.

I worry that one of your quotes gives the impression you require a new board where as you may have gathered this is not the case..

So my advice is if you opt for the board upgrade then I would give it to the company that informed you you only require rcbo's for your existing board as they seem to be offering you a quote giving you the correct info.

 

[amlu]

May be worth have lighting circuits upgraded for RCBO, may be worth doing at the same time when you have an electrician already digging in your consumer unit.

Hager RCBO 6a 6ka B Type Ref: ADN106 not Schnider | eBay