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VOLTAGE OPERATED ELCB BE842

Former Community Member
Former Community Member
Regarding voltage ELCB's BS842 I am currently looking at replacing an old Wylex fuse board with a new C.U with individual rcbo's system is TT. Question is if I remove the earth connections from this device can it be used as the isolator switch for the new CU?

  • 0
    It will work as a rather lumpy isolator, yes, it just happens to have a pair of contacts that allow you to turn it off by remote control from a 50V supply! (a switch with an auxiliary coil we'd normally call that and pay accordingly) .

    However, if there is any question about it's condition then the replacement should be a proper isolator or 100mA time delay RCD in the smallest possible plastic box would be a better choice. Are you adding surge protection ?
  • Former Community Member
    0 Former Community Member
    Thanks for your comments I've not thought of adding surge protection as its a small domestic building.
  • 0
    I've not thought of adding surge protection as its a small domestic building.

    Unless it really is tiny (e.g. domestic outbuilding - where replacing the entire installation and appliances would cost less than 5x the cost of fitting the SPD) you really should be doing the risk assessment at least.

      - Andy.
  • 0
    There has been a jump from what to do about the main switch to should a SPD be installed, as this is a TT installation installing a combined main switch and SPD together in a metal enclosure is very problematic, so not something I would consider.


    What layout of consumer unit are you installing, all 30 mA RCBOs with a main switch, dual 30 mA RCDs with a main switch or a single upfront 30 mA RCD as the main switch?


    Andy b.
  • 0
    If a type 2 SPD will suffice, Wylex seem to have a solution: https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/WYREC2SPD.html


       - Andy.
  • Former Community Member
    0 Former Community Member
    One main switch and 6 30mA rcbo's
  • 0
    Then leaving the old ELCB as a main isolator can be considered acceptable, though a tadge scruffy.


    There's things to consider regards earth fault protection between the tails, main switch, busbars and the metal enclosure of the CU, replacing the ELCB with a suitable RCD in a plastic enclosure has a lot of merit or a suitable double pole RCD as the main switch within the consumer unit..


    Andy B.
  • Former Community Member
    0 Former Community Member
    My original question asked if l could use the elcb (with earth cables removed) as the isolator switch prior to the CU or do I need to remove it and fit a standard isolator switch. I already know that the main earth electrode cable and the water/gas bonding cables require upgrading.
  • 0
    Sparkingchip:

    Then leaving the old ELCB as a main isolator can be considered acceptable, though a tadge scruffy.


    There's things to consider regards earth fault protection between the tails, main switch, busbars and the metal enclosure of the CU, replacing the ELCB with a suitable RCD in a plastic enclosure has a lot of merit or a suitable double pole RCD as the main switch within the consumer unit..


    Andy B.




    Yes it will function as a main switch, but there won't be any earth fault protection to the tails coming out of it, so give it a bit of thought.


  • Former Community Member
    0 Former Community Member
    Cheers Andy

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