UK Connecting Dual RCD board.

[NickT75]

I have a 17 way BG consumer unit I have set up with dual RCD. I got the 25mm tail kit, but can work out how to get 2 live tails into the bottom of the main switch to connect to the RCDs. Any ideas please?

 

[littlespark]

Can we have a photo?

normally, the tails go into a main switch, then there are made up tails feeding each of the rcds from the load side of the switch.
These should be included in the consumer unit what purchased.

 

[westward10]

They should go to the top of the main switch.

 

[NickT75]

Can we have a photo?

normally, the tails go into a main switch, then there are made up tails feeding each of the rcds from the load side of the switch.
These should be included in the consumer unit what purchased.

I stupidly bought a blank unit that only came with the main switch.

 

[littlespark]

Well, I think you can buy a conversion kit which has the right link cables at the right lengths.

your 17 way board will only be 13 when you add in a couple of rcds

 

[westward10]

Does it have separate neutral bars.

 

[littlespark]

I think just take it back and get the right one…. Or fill it with rcbo’s

 

[timhoward]

BG are not the greatest units in the universe, if you have the chance to return it I'd do so and get something decent.
Nothing wrong with dual-rcd boards, but the current fashion is a main switch and a RCBO for each circuit combining RCD and over-current protection for each circuit.
(The Fusebox brand is very popular as not costing the earth but is good quality. )

 

[littlespark]

And don’t forget the SPD

 

[buzzlightyear]

Is it me or some one can't figure out to
Put a hole in consumer unit. Bloody manufacturers they need sorting out they should come with toffee hammer.. Lol.

 

[NickT75]

And don’t forget the SPD

I don’t think these are compulsory yet?

 

[MJPD29]

If i were you i would return it and buy the correct board of a different brand. Or I would use rcbos and abandon the dual RCD plan, bg ones are not that expensive.

 

[NickT75]

Well, I think you can buy a conversion kit which has the right link cables at the right lengths.

your 17 way board will only be 13 when you add in a couple of rcds

I can’t seem to find a kit for dual RCD where the lives are linked. The other thing I’ve noticed is when you bend the tails to fit them it’s difficult to not have exposed copper, as the insulation pulls away. Any idea where you get shrouds from.

 

[littlespark]

not compulsory, but the customer has to "opt out" of having it.

I think Screwfix are trying to sell off their non-spd BG boards on special offers.
Same advert said "buy this, and get 25% off 25mm tails"
Yeh... on blue and brown 6181Y... no mention of the 6491X green/yellow

 

[NickT75]

If i were you i would return it and buy the correct board of a different brand. Or I would use rcbos and abandon the dual RCD plan, bg ones are not that expensive.

Sadly too late for that. Unpacked, knockouts removed and fitted on the wall.

 

[MJPD29]

Sadly too late for that. Unpacked, knockouts removed and fitted on the wall.

It's flexi tails usually used for dual rcd with crimped ends, not normal tails. I would use rcbos rather than building my own dual rcd board. Have you already bought rcds etc?

 

[NickT75]

not compulsory, but the customer has to "opt out" of having it.

I think Screwfix are trying to sell off their non-spd BG boards on special offers.
Same advert said "buy this, and get 25% off 25mm tails"
Yeh... on blue and brown 6181Y... no mention of the 6491X green/yellow

That’s fine, the ”customer“ is me. I’m a newby electrician, so I thought it best to make all the mistakes on my own house first ?

 

[SparkySy]

If it only has a main switch why not just use RCBO'S ? They are not that expensive, especially if it's already on the wall!

 

[littlespark]

As asked earlier... how many neutral bars are in this bare bones box?

For 2 RCD's, you would need 2 bars... one bar protected by each rcd.

Apologies if this has been answered

 

[buzzlightyear]

That’s fine, the ”customer“ is me. I’m a newby electrician, so I thought it best to make all the mistakes on my own house bang first.

Oh baby,you not Fred dibners son are you. Lol.

 

[telectrix]

as previous replies. go the whole hog and fit RCBOs. this will also give you more useable ways than a dual RCD board, and eliminate the need for those dreadful floppy interconnection tails.

 

[Electrics]

Hate to be that guy but - get an electrician in to do it.

 

[loz2754]

Hate to be that guy but - get an electrician in to do it.

The OP is a newly qualified electrician I believe.

 

[telectrix]

it's in his own house, so he should go for top dollar gear. RCBOs all the way. notlike us oldies where own house electrics were 80% equipment salvaged from job upgrades. 16 sockets in the house, and never 2 the same. CU that complied 3 editions ago.

 

[Electrics]

The OP is a newly qualified electrician I believe.

I don't understand how he's here asking how to get tails into a CU into the bottom of the main switch. No offence OP.

 

[telectrix]

maybe OP is talking about the internal links to each RCD .

 

[Electrics]

maybe OP is talking about the internal links to each RCD .

But how would a qualified electrician not know how to do that? Not bashing him, just confused.

Electrician to electrician questions are usually things like 'are my calculations right here' or 'how would you route this...' not 'how do i get power to a board'. ?

 

[UNG]

Don't know if I'm missing something but there seems to be a lack of job planning on the part of the OP
Surely you make sure you have all the materials and the correct materials to complete the job before starting it, as stated previously by others for me the best route would be RCBO's, to buy a CU with a main switch then populate it with a couple of RCD's doesn't sound a cost effective way to get a dual RCD CU to me

 

[littlespark]

As I understand it, the OP is newly qualified… maybe doesn’t know how CUs are supplied, whether had to build them from scratch, buy them populated or part populated… split board etc. Lot to think about if you haven’t done them before.

At least he’s practicing in his own house.

 

[Electrics]

As I understand it, the OP is newly qualified… maybe doesn’t know how CUs are supplied, whether had to build them from scratch, buy them populated or part populated… split board etc. Lot to think about if you haven’t done them before.

At least he’s practicing in his own house.

I wonder if, and again no offence OP, he did a shorter course or something?