Which Type 2 SPD (preferably without the need for separate MCB) will Fit inti ClipSal CU

[kevkdg]

Just to add, the usual guidance for CU changing is to have the system inspected (EICR) so you know up-front about what needs done. If everything is in good condition and done to recent regulations than it is only a CU change to be done, tested and certified.

Thanks, that's great advice

 

[Zerax]

Taking my Electrician hat off and replacing it with my Home Owner one... that board looks a bit of a mess and as I'm having an EVCP installed... I'd be taking the opportunity to upgrade it to full RCBO with SPD. As a minimum, I'd want some RCD protection (which you may have, but can't see it in the pic) and a proper EICR (from someone that I trusted) so that I at least understand what's going on with that installation.

But that's just me.... others may live closer to the edge.

 

[Dartlec]

Thanks... I will switch it off and see if it cuts power to anything. By not being "type compatible" does this mean it's not compatible with the CU? If so I wonder why it's apparently not in use but in the CU...

Yes, the breaker isn't approved by Clipsal for use in their CU - and often they are not physically compatible so get forced in and lead to possible loose connections which aren't visible.

It may fit physically well, and if the terminals are tight then it's not necessarily an immediate safety issue, but it's usually a sign that someone has been touching it who shouldn't be and either they didn't know, or that was all they had to hand and didn't care.

 

[kevkdg]

Thanks... I will switch it off and see if it cuts power to anything. By not being "type compatible" does this mean it's not compatible with the CU? If so I wonder why it's apparently not in use but in the CU...

@Dartlec Proteus MCB may be labelled as "spare" but when I flipped it off lots of power sockets went dead!

 

[kevkdg]

Alternatively, if the distances work, it may not cost much to have the current 4 way enclosure changed to a 6 or 7 way that would allow for SPD install. What brand is that? The enclosures are not that expensive separately, though space may be a factor...

@Dartlec Current enclosure installed by EV Charge Point installer in readiness for new charge point (when they bring the right one with them lol). Having said that, just had a call, car has been delayed from April delivery to September!

 

[kevkdg]

In the situation you have, the Wylex REC2SPD would probably be a good option and any suitably competent electrician would be able to liaise with the DNO in terms of fuse being removed if necessary when they do the work.

@Dartlec I guess the Wylex REC2SPD would be fitted in place of the standard Wylex DP Isolator I have. I only wish the SMART meter fitters could have fitted this, but they will only fit their own supplied isolators. Another alternative might be to fir the REC2SPD downstream of existing Wylex isolator, either in line or in parallel (if it can be located close to the Henley blocks due to 0.5 metre rule).

PS - The scrappy bit of wood behind the isolator was put there by the meter fitter as he said he can't mount the isolation switch directly to the wall! I did question his woodwork skills lol.

 

[pc1966]

Thanks, that's great advice

There are some useful and free documents on CU replacement (Best Practice Guide #1) and EICR (Best Practice Guide #4) here:

Best Practice Guides | Electrical Safety First

Electrical Safety First produces, in association with other industry bodies, a range of Best Practice Guides which provide definitive information and guidance on a range of technical subjects.

www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk

A lot of those guides will make sense to a non-electrician with a modest grasp of electrical concepts, but a few points are not obvious!