Q & A of the Day - Can we avoid having to buy seven RCBOs?

Question: Following a periodical test carried out in our restaurant, we have been advised that the breakers protecting the socket circuits in the bar, kitchens and restaurant - fitted into the consumer unit - be changed to RCBOs.

We need seven in total, which comes to around £350 materials only. Is there another way around this? For example, could we fit an RCD switch to cover the whole unit?

Answer: From an installation perspective it is not in line with the guidance from the Wiring Regulations (BS7671:2008) to supply the whole distribution board (consumer unit) with an RCD incomer, as an earth fault in any circuit will cause the whole board to be lost. This may have health and safety implications if the board supplies lighting or fire/smoke alarms.

For further advice as to the optimum correct solution, you may wish to contact the ECA or NICEIC via the Voltimum website.

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