Are you allowed to replace an RCB yourself?

[ShaunShep]

We have a garage wired to it's own RCD which is rated to 16amps. A few years back we had an extension built behind the garage and it's wired to the same RCD, so the extension and the garage are wired to the same RCD.

Anyway, we've bought a treadmill to go in the garage and we can't use it because it keeps tripping the garage RCD, but it works fine wired in the house. I'm guessing this is because the garage is only 16amps and the house sockets are 32amp.

So my question is, are you allowed to replace RCD's yourself, could I replace the 16amp for a 32amp, or do I need an electrician.

 

[eveares]

Technically you can do it your self if the electrical instillation to the garage (aka the wiring) will support a 32A circuit, however I personally count up-rating a MCB/RCB/RCBO as notifiable work and thus if you did not want to use a qualified electrician and assuming it is notifiable work, you would have to notify the local authority building control (likely costing around £200-£300) whilst also having the knowledge and the special calibrated equipment to ensure the circuit is safe.

Further more beside notification, one can not up-rate a MCB/RCB/RCBO without first ensuring the cable can safely take the increased current, additionally taking into account voltage drop, cable grouping and insulation de-rating factors.

Your safest bet is just to get a qualified and competent electrician in.

 

[ShaunShep]

Thanks for the response, I was going to check the cabling first, I've had a quick look at it, and it look like 4mm cable.

But yes, maybe I'll ring an electrician on Monday. Any idea how much we would expect to pay for something like this (if it's a straight RCD swap).

 

[winston1]

Any idea how much we would expect to pay for something like this (if it's a straight RCB swap).

The best person to answer that question is the electrician you ring.

 

[eveares]

I would guess the cost would likley be call out charge if there is one, plus around £20-£60 to swap the breaker and test to make sure all is safe amusing it is just swapping the MCB/RCBO + testing.

I would think £40-£80 total would be a reasonable cost, but get multiple quotes to get an idea of the cost.

 

[Risteard]

I would think £40-£80 total would be a reasonable cost

I think £40 wouldn't be within an asses' roar given that an RCBO is likely to cost the Electrician around £30 to purchase in the first place.

 

[eveares]

I think £40 wouldn't be within an asses' roar given that an RCBO is likely to cost the Electrician around £30 to purchase in the first place.

Ok, I was assuming it was a MCB. If it is a RCBO or MCB + RCD that needs to be replaced, then around £30-£40 more.

 

[winston1]

How is this treadmill connected?
Over 16 amps seems an awful lot for a motor driving a rolling road.

 

[Risteard]

How is this treadmill connected?
Over 16 amps seems an awful lot for a motor driving a rolling road.

Indeed. I thought the same myself. Unless there are lots of other loads running.

Perhaps it is a faulty treadmill/running machine.

 

[ShaunShep]

The treadmill is connected via a normal plug. The only way we can use it is to run an extension from the house out to the garage, as that's the only way it doesn't trip.

The RCD for the garage/office powers others things too, including;

2 x Apple iMacs
40 watt studio speakers
2 x HP Microservers
Additional LCD monitors
Wi-Fi extender
Telephones
Printer
Xbox One
Dell PC
Phone and other chargers

 

[EFLImpudence]

What is an RCB?

 

[EFLImpudence]

In domestics, there are MCBs, and -

RCCBs and RCBOs which are both RCDs

 

[Taylortwocities]

Have alook at this, and then tell us what you really mean by RCB

Untitled

• Taylortwocities
• 27 Mar 2010
• 43

 

[ShaunShep]

RCD/RCCB

 

[flameport]

RCD/RCCB

That tripping indicates current leakage over it's 30mA rating, either due to the combined currents of all the other equipment in there, or the house supply doesn't have an RCD / has a faulty one.
The solution will NOT be a straight swap of anything, and most certainly will not be in the under £100 range. It's not a DIY thing either.