Electric dilemma - MCB info wanted

[LeeUK]

More likely the existing MCBs have been shifted to the left, the busbar connected into the bottom of that dubious switch device, and some piece of wire connected between the RCD output and the input to the device.

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Correct

All entirely inappropriate and making the whole thing a custom assembly designed by whoever made those changes. When it all goes wrong, that person is 100% responsible for any damages caused

As with anything

 

[ericmark]

I have removed 3 smart light switches and one smart socket because they have gone wrong, all Energenie but that is the oldest smart stuff I have, but turning off power and replacing the smart device due to going wrong is not funny, I have laughed when I said hey google turn off music and it said turning off 5 switches and turned off lights, and when asked to turn back on it says don't know how to do that yet.

But that involved my getting up and switching lights back on, but now I want plug in smart devices, when they go wrong, I simply unplug.

In UK plug in stuff has a fuse, a fuse gets hot, that's how they work, not sure I want high power things plugging in, I don't like smart meters, but in your case that may be the way to go.

 

[LeeUK]

I have removed 3 smart light switches and one smart socket because they have gone wrong, all Energenie but that is the oldest smart stuff I have, but turning off power and replacing the smart device due to going wrong is not funny, I have laughed when I said hey google turn off music and it said turning off 5 switches and turned off lights, and when asked to turn back on it says don't know how to do that yet.

But that involved my getting up and switching lights back on, but now I want plug in smart devices, when they go wrong, I simply unplug.

In UK plug in stuff has a fuse, a fuse gets hot, that's how they work, not sure I want high power things plugging in, I don't like smart meters, but in your case that may be the way to go.

100% don't want to involve google or alexa

I am liking this setup, just a bit paranoid about it!
Only other alternative at the moment is changing current relatively new heaters to smart heaters (£450+ each), am looking at them

 

[ericmark]

A consumer unit is a type tested distribution unit for use when an ordinary person is in charge. To retain that label anything fitted in it must be authorised by the manufacturer for use in that unit, or it ceases to be a consumer unit.

I don't know if we are allowed to use non type tested equipment, or even who says it must be type tested? But if not we have two groups who may object, the insurers, and the HSE, the latter will only really get involved if there is a death.

If my make of consumer unit was discontinued and I wanted a new RCBO then likely I would see if another make would fit, but if the home belongs to some one else, or is used by some one else, then a bit more wary. If anyone goes to hospital after an electric shock they report it to HSE, and if one gets a shock one should go to hospital, OK may ignore at home, at work, or on holiday no real option, so if some thing goes wrong, you may get a visit.

But your problem is what your insurers will accept, and I really don't know.

 

[LeeUK]

A consumer unit is a type tested distribution unit for use when an ordinary person is in charge. To retain that label anything fitted in it must be authorised by the manufacturer for use in that unit, or it ceases to be a consumer unit.

I don't know if we are allowed to use non type tested equipment, or even who says it must be type tested? But if not we have two groups who may object, the insurers, and the HSE, the latter will only really get involved if there is a death.............

Hmm, maybe best to knock down and start again
I have no idea what is installed / hidden from the previous proprietors !

 

[ericmark]

I have problems with this house, last houses were new, so at least started correct, but this house was a mess. I really do wonder how the last owners lived in it. To turn on central heating you had to go outside down a set of steps and into flat below main house and plug in the pump.

But I have no problem with these

they are beefy units and can take a lot of load, even this rated 20 amp so well within limits, this

however may be rated 13 amp, but would not want to use it for heavy load when I can't see it.

 

[Angelchops]

Thanks for this post. It's reinforced my belief that most 'so called' SMART technology is more trouble than it's worth.

 

[Colin Brenton]

Thanks for this post. It's reinforced my belief that most 'so called' SMART technology is more trouble than it's worth.

Yep, same here.

 

[LeeUK]

3+ years, still good and done the job

 

[ericmark]

Thanks for the reply, what did you use in the end?

 

[Risteard]

3+ years, still good and done the job

Cool story.

 

[LeeUK]

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[LeeUK]

Thanks for the reply, what did you use in the end?

as in post 3 - https://www.diynot.com/diy/threads/electric-dilemma-mcb-info-wanted.580616/#post-5085899

Cant remember the maker now, listed as - smartmcb eWelink single phase DIN rail wifi.
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