RCD's -replacing with different manufacurers

salisbury spark · Nov 7, 2008

Got to fit an RCD to a NEWLEC CCU. - Want to fit a CTI one as its cheap. Are RCD's generally the same packaging especially the connection to the bus bar. -I used to swap about with Mcb suppliers and had the odd fitting problem but usually I fit a complete CCU rather than upgrade them.

Spudnik · Nov 7, 2008

I wouldnt risk the aggro to be honest.

Especially if its cheap and cheerful. You could have no end of probs with callbacks.

It may well fit onto the busbar but the cover may not go back on very easily.

Your call.

cornburn · Nov 7, 2008

Why not just get a Newlec one? They're Newey & Eyre's own brand (that I use) and aren't expensive themselves.

mrs electrician · Nov 7, 2008

Most RCDs wont be interchangeable as they are made especially to fit our Newlec boards. There maybe one of two. I have a feeling Wylex may fit but it would still be cheaper to get a Newlec one.
(Im not just being biased as i work at Newey and Eyre myself)

salisbury spark · Nov 18, 2008

CTI RCD fitted perfect - cost me £12.40 made even more from customer... -Disconnection times better than most RCDS if tested.... Gonna try a CTI CCU from toolstation for @£55 (17th edition)- make even more from customer (or send it back if its crap... Worth the risk to me).

tony.towa · Nov 18, 2008

Fitting a different manufacturers component into a distribution board/cu is in contravention of the 17th edition. You must comply with the manufacturers instructions and all db/cu manufacturers state that only the correct components should be installed in their products!

WarrenG · Nov 18, 2008

Who makes CTI ?

I have heard and used Chint. As their breakers look the same as the MEM ones but cheaper.

chrissyh · Nov 19, 2008

tony.towa said:
Fitting a different manufacturers component into a distribution board/cu is in contravention of the 17th edition. You must comply with the manufacturers instructions and all db/cu manufacturers state that only the correct components should be installed in their products!

But surely the term 'correct components' would be covered by BS numbers & characeristics, not manafacturers? Most MCB's nowadays are designed to fit most other makes of DB's.

tony.towa · Nov 19, 2008

If you fit another manufacturers mcbs into a distribution board or consumer unit it will negate any warranty on the product. If the product is out of warranty then should anything unfortunate occur both products manufacturers will state that the compnents were not designed to be used with each other and liability will rest firmly on your shoulders. The fact that mcbs are manufactured to the same specification does not come into it, all cars for the UK market are designed to the same regulations but would you put parts interchange parts of their engine and if you do make modifications you have to notify your insurance company and normally the premiums go up.
At the end of the day it's up to you, but I know what I do. Yes there are times when products have been used when the other manufacturer is either not available or no longer made however what I will say is that I spent some years working for circuit breaker manufacturers and not only am I aware of what the manufacturers response to interchange will be but also have a good knowledge of which lesser manufacturers use which tooling etc. formally used by the major manufacturers for now obsolete ranges and also where some products come off the same line in China with different branding.
All I will say is be careful what you do.