Help with RCD unit.

Dubh Ghall · 11-10-2008, 11:32 AM

I have got a secondary CU for all of my out door wiring, which I installed as a replacement for an old fusewire type distribution board
However, when I installed it, I didn't fit a RCD, and relied on plug in, earth leakage detectors.

A recient incident has decided me that I need something more sensitive, and faster, thus the RCD.

Having got the appropriate device, I am at a loss to install it.

Will it act as a direct replacement for a double pole breaker, or is the wiring more complex?

I cannot open the house CU, to check the wiring as it is a steel case, with a security lock, (part of the lease agreement) and I can only reach the switches.

What I actually want to do, is to divide the output from the CU, so that the circuits which need the extra protection, can come off the RCD, and some sensitive security equipment on an isolation transformer, which must not be switched off, can be left safely on, even when the RCD trips.

Billy_Bob · 11-10-2008, 12:18 PM

Let's see...

RCD = Residual Current Device - also know as GFCI or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter?

CU = Control Unit or main electric panel?

What country are you from? (Does not say by your posting name...)

Stubbie · 11-10-2008, 01:59 PM

I can only post a diagram for an rcd installed in a consumer unit. Note that there is a dedicated neutral bar (blue wires) for all protected circuits. The rcd protects all circuits whose neutrals are connected to that terminal bar.

Dubh Ghall · 11-10-2008, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billy_Bob

Let's see...

>RCD = Residual Current Device - also know as GFCI or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter?

Yes, though rarely GFCI, over here.

>CU = Control Unit or main electric panel?

Yes, but more commonly "Consumer Unit", on this side of the puddle.

>What country are you from? (Does not say by your posting name...)

.............................................

I live in the UK.

I didn't realise that most of the denizens of this forum were in the USA, when I posted

Yoyizit · 11-10-2008, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dubh Ghall

.............................................

I live in the UK.

denizens

And nobody here knows what Perspex is.

Do you have the equivalent of a National Electric Code? If so, can you post a link? Thanks.

Some of the many UK people on this forum \/
http://www.electro-tech-online.com/
might be able to help.

Dubh Ghall · 11-10-2008, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stubbie

>I can only post a diagram for an rcd installed in a consumer unit. Note that there is a dedicated neutral bar (blue wires) for all protected circuits. The rcd protects all circuits whose neutrals are connected to that terminal bar.

Thank you Stubby, That is just what I needed.

Stubbie · 11-10-2008, 03:09 PM

You are quite welcome. I hope our countries can continue to be allies after some rather difficult times. Any further questions I'll do my best to assist you but my knowledge of UK wiring methods is not expert level......

Dubh Ghall · 11-10-2008, 04:15 PM

[quote=Yoyizit;182836]
>And nobody here knows what Perspex is.

Yeah. But then, the colonies always were a little behind.

>>Do you have the equivalent of a National Electric Code?

Yes, The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers Regulations.

AKA IEE Regs.

>If so, can you post a link?

Not so easy, but here is a starting place.

...Or two.

http://www.s1learning.com/course/17t...ns-103575.html

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/...8449/bestse-21

Otherwise, put IEE & Regulations, in Google.

>Thanks.

Sorry I can't be more help.

Dubh Ghall · 11-10-2008, 04:22 PM

Some of the many UK people on this forum \/
http://www.electro-tech-online.com/
might be able to help.[/quote]

PS, Thanks for the URL.