Question for the Sparkies out there

humphshumphs · 26th May 2016, 19:33

Just a very quick question for the Electricians amongst us.

Do all MCBs/RCBOs have the same fitting?

What I mean is can a Crabtree RCBO/MCB fit in any consumer unit if you get my drift.

Thanks in advance.

murphyv310 · 26th May 2016, 19:59

Hi.
They both conform to specs irrespective of manufacturer.
There are different types of MCD for different loads, current and differing inductive losds.
The RCDO wont fit into a MCD space as it has to monitor the neutral line. RCD's monitor the difference in current between the live feed and the neutral return, any difference above the rated spec and it will trip.

MCD's from a different manufacturer should be compatible, as should RCDO's from a different manufacturer so long as they are in the correct position.

humphshumphs · 26th May 2016, 21:16

Thanks Trevor, explained perfectly.

26th May 2016, 19:33	#1
humphshumphs I really should get out more....... No longer a Rover Owner Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: As far east as you can go in the UK and not get wet feet. Posts: 2,273 Thanks: 404 Thanked 309 Times in 246 Posts	Question for the Sparkies out there Just a very quick question for the Electricians amongst us. Do all MCBs/RCBOs have the same fitting? What I mean is can a Crabtree RCBO/MCB fit in any consumer unit if you get my drift. Thanks in advance. __________________ Richard. No longer a 75 owner as my tourer made it to the moon, and died on it's way back. But 1/4 million miles ain't bad.

26th May 2016, 19:59	#2
murphyv310 This is my second home Hyundai i10 998cc Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Kilmarnock Posts: 6,602 Thanks: 2,088 Thanked 2,298 Times in 1,349 Posts	Hi. They both conform to specs irrespective of manufacturer. There are different types of MCD for different loads, current and differing inductive losds. The RCDO wont fit into a MCD space as it has to monitor the neutral line. RCD's monitor the difference in current between the live feed and the neutral return, any difference above the rated spec and it will trip. MCD's from a different manufacturer should be compatible, as should RCDO's from a different manufacturer so long as they are in the correct position. __________________ Cheers from Trevor MM0KJJ Last edited by murphyv310; 26th May 2016 at 20:01..

26th May 2016, 21:16	#3
humphshumphs I really should get out more....... No longer a Rover Owner Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: As far east as you can go in the UK and not get wet feet. Posts: 2,273 Thanks: 404 Thanked 309 Times in 246 Posts	Thanks Trevor, explained perfectly. __________________ Richard. No longer a 75 owner as my tourer made it to the moon, and died on it's way back. But 1/4 million miles ain't bad.