RCBO's or two split loads?

[gazzamikes]

Evening everyone,

In process for tendering for a job, 3 floors and cellar, presently 14 rooms, going to be extended to have another annex, conservatory and another extension for kitchen.

Im thinking the way to go on this one is RCBO's, splitting it so each floor has a socket circuit and a lighting circuit, due to size of property i think this would be better. would you guys agree?

or stick in a couple of split load boards?

thanks!!

 

[Plonker 3]

RCBOs are alot better than a split load dual RCD, but cost is the big problem so depends on what the customer wants. I would quote for both boards inform the customer to the advantages of RCBOs compared to split load and let them make the decision.

 

[Octopus]

Sub main for the annexe?

 

[gazzamikes]

Hi, yes i would put a submain for the annex feeding a small consumer unit. Am also thinking maybe the need for an emergency light in the cellar as very steep stairs and narrow corridoors

 

[Guest112]

rcbos definately the best way but cost is the factor as above perhaps put a sub main into a local consumer unit at the extension if it is a large property it would definately save on cable getting it all the way back to one board....

atb

 

[Guest55]

how many final circuits & C.U. in total do you anticipate ?
floor area covered ?
like murdoch says , time to consider subs to various parts of the property.

 

[gazzamikes]

didnt think of two consumer units, suppose one feeding annex and one feeding the kitchen area using swa would then also remove the RCBO feeding the board preventing both smaller consumer unit rcd and rcbo feeding the unit tripping together

 

[gazzamikes]

hi biff, floor area at present without extensions is 3500 square foot. ccts: 5 final rings, 5 lighting, minimum of two showers, 2 cooker, garage conversion on a sub main

 

[Guitarist]

Hi mate, no offence intended, but I'm surprised the client hasn't gone for one of the big firms in Norwich on a job of this scale.

 

[Guest55]

so 14 finals & 2 subs ( garage / annex )

off the top of my head , i'd go -

tails from meter to stand-alone 100A DP isolator
tails from iso to service blocks
split tails to 2 consumer units ( 8 way ) for final circuits and a metal clad 2 way switch fuse for submains ( metal clad allows the facility to connect swa cable if needed )

 

[monkee]

RCBO s allday less of a hassle when it comes to earth leakage RCD tripping etc.. but costs do come into it to

what do you pay for on a new boiler £800 say RCBO board £450 were as £125 split dual etc.. we need the word out there spend money on better electrical goods thats it for me good night...

 

[gazzamikes]

Fantastic thanks biff! No offence taken guitarist, to be honest I do tender for a lot if big jobs but it is the size of the firm that normally causes me to lose them.

RCBO is the way I'm going to go.

Also grade 2 listed and ceilings are only just reachable from tall set of steps, thinking of installing a fire panel so then if they sound the reset on the panel can be pressed rather than impossible access, is there any other method? Eg a wall 'hush' switch?

 

[Plonker 3]

On a job like this it would be worth contacting your wholesaler or even AICO about the smokes and see if they can't advise on what to install.

 

[Fin170]

Stick the socket circuits on RCBOs, divide the rest across a (large, probably one of those stacker type) dual RCD board. Some of those stacking boards have 3 RCDs to divide circuits across.

Or essential circuits (sockets and lights) on RCBOs and less essential (cooker, shower) circuits on the RCD side of a split board, try and run Fire alarms or boiler supply so they don't require RCD protection.

Hard to say without seeing it and knowing how much dosh the customer has

 

[SPARTYKUS]

Not much in it really now not bothered with a dual RCD board for a year now, they are satans work

Denmans, Wilts, ECD all do cracking deals on boards and RCBOs, the cost is no longer prohibitive as long as.....

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you're not a manufacturer snob!