Hi,
about to add new circuits and need extra circuit breakers.
Screwfix lists type B and C (what happened to Type A)?
Both are shown as ISO rail fitting.
So:
will almost any circuit breaker fit any consumer unit (CU was replaced six years ago) because they are an ISO standard fitting, or is it a case of loads of different fittings?
Consumer unit is Siemens Stratus 200 Breakers are all marked 5sx21 Ratings are B32 or B6 (so presumably a 'B' type breaker).
See
See
Now I am more confused instead of less.
I have (it looks like) two switches for incoming power (LHS), plus an RCCD (RHS).
How do I tell if this is all on the RCCD, or if the lighting (LHS) is switched - which I would presume is a split load (from reading the FAQ). It looks like a split load setup. Is the cut in the busbar easily visible?
This brings me on to connecting in the new wiring (13 amp ring main and immersion heater on a direct circuit).
As I seem to have two switches on the main switch, I presume one is for the lighting side, and one for the power via the RCCD. So I presume that I could keep the lighting running with the power side off whilst I connect in the new cables.
(1) I turn off the main switch on the consumer unit - darkness reigns. (2) Remove the cover (3) Turn on the lighting side again so I can see what I am doing without using a torch. (4) Pull the RCCB for extra safety? (5) Connect in the new wires (6) Add the new mini-RCBs (7) Power up power side (RCCD back in) with cover off and extreme care then test the new circuits. (8) Power everything off again and re-install the cover. (9) Power up and celebrate. (10) Go round resetting all the clocks, CH timers etc.
Any advice much appreciated - main issue is 'do the type B RCDs from Screwfix fit these units - answer please in time to place the order today :-)
TIA Dave R
P.S. Included the picture of the power side because I seem to have three blocks on the inbound side - one is used for the meter and two spares. I know there used to be storage heaters - unused sockets in the wall and a very nasty charred CU in the garage before we had all this replaced - so that would explain one extra service, but what was the other one for? Is it usual to have the incoming service split into 3? A relic of the old multiple fuse box setup? I note there is no isolating switch between power in and the CU - would this be a good idea or is the switch on the input side of the CU adequate?