The IET is carrying out some important updates between 17-30 April and all of our websites will be view only. For more information, read this Announcement

This discussion is locked.
You cannot post a reply to this discussion. If you have a question start a new discussion

Multiple circuits in a single MCB/RCBO

Former Community Member
Former Community Member
Having undertaken some inspections recently I'm finding a lot of older installations with multiple circuits within a single RCBO. Example being 2 light circuits (Upstairs/downstairs) being added to a single B6 RCBO.

The circuit design covers single pendants in each room and some downlights in the kitchen. The majority of bulbs are LED so from a risk point of view would this be unlikely to exceed 6amps. From the EICR however would this be considered C3 in peoples opinions due to risk level with a potential of splitting to separate RCBO's, or should this be C2 as there are technically 2 circuits fed from a single MCB?


Likewise the same installation has a 32amp MCB (RCD protected) supplying a ring final circuit downstairs. When work has been undertaken in the past, an additional radial circuit has been added to the same MCB in 2.5mm T&E. My view on this is that this instantly requires a C2 coding, as the radial circuit feeds multiple sockets (and there is no Fused spur within the radial line) it is not rated for the potential draw and the 32amp breaker will not trip with the overload of the radial line.


There are no spare ways in the board, so am I correct in claiming this would require a new replacement board to accommodate and separate the circuits? Would this be different if the radial only served a single double socket for ease of the wiring?


There appears to be a lot of confusion on when/if its acceptable to add radials to an existing breaker and I wondered if there was any clarity, given that these circuit amendments are historic and retrospective changing to meet current regulations is not essential providing it met previous regulations.


Many thanks

David
Parents
  • Former Community Member
    0 Former Community Member
    Hi and thanks.


    The initial inspection of the switches / pendants indicated some overheating within upstairs and downstairs light points. Evidenced by some nice green ooze at the end of the cables. This was at dimmer switches which do not operate as expected owing to the fact the tenant has non-dimmable bulbs. ? They had also explained that they have issues with appliances not lasting very long. 


    Having then proceeded to open the consumer unit, there are no spare ways, and seeing 3 separate MCB's all with what appeared to be multiple circuits, I wanted to check what would be permissable before undertaking significant further checks at a cost to the client. I will also independently test each radial branch to work out which lights are operated and ensure no borrowed neutrals.


    I'm going to go back to the property next week now and do further checks including the insulation resistance. Will be changing dimmers to standard switches at the clients request too.


    One of the socket radials does feed kitchen appliances Fridge freezer and washer/tumble dryer, so unlikely to overload the circuit. The other runs upstairs to additional sockets in bedrooms supplying TV equipment. Again unlikely to be an excessive load. But a more detailed investigation of the radials will be something I do.


    Thanks for the info and thoughts.

    David
Reply
  • Former Community Member
    0 Former Community Member
    Hi and thanks.


    The initial inspection of the switches / pendants indicated some overheating within upstairs and downstairs light points. Evidenced by some nice green ooze at the end of the cables. This was at dimmer switches which do not operate as expected owing to the fact the tenant has non-dimmable bulbs. ? They had also explained that they have issues with appliances not lasting very long. 


    Having then proceeded to open the consumer unit, there are no spare ways, and seeing 3 separate MCB's all with what appeared to be multiple circuits, I wanted to check what would be permissable before undertaking significant further checks at a cost to the client. I will also independently test each radial branch to work out which lights are operated and ensure no borrowed neutrals.


    I'm going to go back to the property next week now and do further checks including the insulation resistance. Will be changing dimmers to standard switches at the clients request too.


    One of the socket radials does feed kitchen appliances Fridge freezer and washer/tumble dryer, so unlikely to overload the circuit. The other runs upstairs to additional sockets in bedrooms supplying TV equipment. Again unlikely to be an excessive load. But a more detailed investigation of the radials will be something I do.


    Thanks for the info and thoughts.

    David
Children
No Data