Adding an rcbo into a consumer unit.

[Sadruddin]

I have a (yes, currently very messy) consumer unit. It's a standard BG dual RCD unit. I want to put a single rcbo in for an electric shower. If you look at the picture

there's a busbar across the 6 rcbs to the RCD in each case.
I want to put in an rcbo. I think I shouldn't use the busbar because they're controlled by the RCDs. And I know the neutral goes to the neutral bar, but where should I get the line in from?
Any thoughts greatfully received.

 

[flameport]

1: If you need to ask, you should not be doing.

2: That consumer unit and the way it is installed is a pile of junk and is best placed in a skip.

 

[Sadruddin]

Very helpful. Thankyou.

 

[sparkwright]

WHY does it need to be an rcbo?

Why can't you fit an mcb that is fed by one of the RCDs?

Out of interest, what are those RCDs rated at (in A)?

 

[AndyPRK]

As you have rcd there is no value using rcbo unless space by main switch (there isn’t )

You could install an Mcb
Or as you have it, the rcbo if it doesn’t hit wires.

Live connects to bus bar prong.

 

[AndyPRK]

I’d fit it to the left of the left rcd.
Remove current Mcb

 

[sparkwright]

Ditch the rcbo and buy an mcb - they don't exactly cost much.

 

[EFLImpudence]

Or as you have it, the rcbo if it doesn’t hit wires.

Live connects to bus bar prong.

Not as the CU is at the moment, it doesn't.

 

[JohnD]

if my eyes do not deceive me, about half the MCBs are purely ornamental.

spend 27p

https://www.screwfix.com/p/british-general-mcb-blank/5390p

 

[Sadruddin]

The cu is in a new build, and we're adding to it as we work on new sections, which is why it hasn't been tiedied yet and why a number of MCBs are not yet in use. The picture was taken just after I put 2 new MCBs to n ahead of populating them today.

The RCDs are rated at 63amps.

So a suitable - say 40amp MCB would suffice, instead of an RCBO?

 

[Risteard]

Get an Electrician.

 

[Taylortwocities]

Get an Electrician.

I agree. You are adding new circuits. That is notifiable work. You shouldn’t be doing this sort of work if you need to ask such basic questions on an Internet forum.

 

[flameport]

about half the MCBs are purely ornamental.

100% might be nearer - there appears to be no main earth or anything connected to the main switch.

 

[Notch7]

The cu is in a new build, and we're adding to it as we work on new sections, which is why it hasn't been tiedied yet and why a number of MCBs are not yet in use.

is it a temporary board on a self build? or in use in a garage or workshop....

I only wonder because the cupboard where its going obviously hasnt been built yet.

Id be guessing that you will get an electrician in when its being moved to its final position....

Either way Id like to think a pro electrician hasnt been involved so far

 

[Sadruddin]

The work is on a new build, is a work in progress, and will be tidied then tested and signed off on completion.