Old storage heater radials.

[Richard3009]

A property has 10 radial circuits supplied off an old Economy 7 off peak board that used to feed storage heaters, they are now converted to 10 individualy fused radial 13A socket outlets. The owner wants you to replace both of his consumer units, where you going with this. Circuit id and isolation could be a future risk, take out radials or re_instate.

 

[Zebra Stripe]

A property has 10 radial circuits supplied off an old Economy 7 off peak board that used to feed storage heaters, they are now converted to 10 individualy fused radial 13A socket outlets. The owner wants you to replace both of his consumer units, where you going with this. Circuit id and isolation could be a future risk, take out radials or re_instate.

I dont understand this bit?

 

[Octopus]

A circuit can comprise of 1 or more cables at a MCB so I'd see if they could be "grouped" and put them on 20A MCB's - if not you are going to need a very big CU

 

[Richard3009]

My biggest concern would be a future person could isolate the downstairs ring main and think every socket to be dead, I know test for dead and all that, but this one could bite somebody

 

[Plonker 3]

Why would they? Lots of houses now have several power circuits.

 

[HandySparks]

My biggest concern would be a future person could isolate the downstairs ring main and think every socket to be dead, I know test for dead and all that, but this one could bite somebody

I don't think that this is an issue, especially if there's some indication on the circuit labelling that the main socket circuit doesn't include some of these ex-storage heater sockets.

 

[lockhes]

Could you not print something or use a label machine and place near consumer unit explaining about lots of radials so isolate all socket circuits or something similar

 

[Richard3009]

reg 523.8 parallel supplies, multiple circuits into one MCB hmmmmmmm

 

[Plonker 3]

It won't be a parrellel supply though would it? They will all be going to different destinations.

 

[HandySparks]

reg 523.8 parallel supplies, multiple circuits into one MCB hmmmmmmm

What edition of the regs are you using?

 

[Richard3009]

good point, from what I can see there is nothing in the regs to stop you stuffing many radials into one mcb, although not good practice.

 

[HandySparks]

multiple circuits into one MCB hmmmmmmm

Not multiple circuits; one radial circuit with multiple branches. Nothing wrong with that.

Edit: providing that the terminals can take the cables and still make an acceptable connection.

 

[davesparks]

Is this a wind up?

Radial circuits feeding sockets are perfectly normal and as long as they meet the requirements of the regulations then leave them as they are.

The circuit list you fix at or near the consumer unit will make it perfectly clear to anyone working on the installation won't it?

 

[Richard3009]

yep, looks like bunching them is not an issue

 

[Richard3009]

Hang on 314.4 may stop you

 

[Octopus]

Is this the CU change you are planning for your Napit inspection?

 

[Richard3009]

It's one I have available, not the best

 

[Octopus]

Hang on 314.4 may stop you

Why????

 

[Richard3009]

Each final circuit shall be connected to a separate way in the dist board.

 

[Plonker 3]

You really are making a mountain out of a mole hill.

One net circuit is one MCB in this instance, regardless of how many branches there are at the MCB.