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Can you replace just the RCD, instead of whole consumer unit?

Former Community Member
Former Community Member
My apartment failed it's EICR due to the electrician not being able to trip the RCD in the required time.  I am told that the RCD cannot be replaced and a new metal consumer unit must be installed at a quote of £1180.  The apartment was built in 2003 and seems overly wasteful to ditch the whole unit, however I am not an electrician so would welcome some guidance please before I commit to this remedial action.


This is the RCD currently fitted:
5760S | MK 63 A RCD Switch, Trip Sensitivity 30mA | RS Components (rs-online.com)


It appears it worked within spec for above 30mA, but failed for below, if that helps with whether the whole consumer unit must be replaced.  See report.
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  • 0
    Sparkingchip:

    I assume that the socket circuits have been taken off the RCD side of the consumer unit leaving all the circuits without any RCD protection, rather than sorting out the problems within the installation. 


    I see what you mean. RCD was originally 18 mm to the left with the two MCBs to the right of it. Now there is nothing on the load side of the MCB, so plugging in tester to a socket definitely isn't going to trip it in a month of Sundays. So we have I&T with no inspection in the CU!


    DZ, where are you?


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  • 0
    Sparkingchip:

    I assume that the socket circuits have been taken off the RCD side of the consumer unit leaving all the circuits without any RCD protection, rather than sorting out the problems within the installation. 


    I see what you mean. RCD was originally 18 mm to the left with the two MCBs to the right of it. Now there is nothing on the load side of the MCB, so plugging in tester to a socket definitely isn't going to trip it in a month of Sundays. So we have I&T with no inspection in the CU!


    DZ, where are you?


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