Mr Ward your videos are better then evening classes. Your videos are really a full course in electrical installation.
@landyfox89763 жыл бұрын
John I’ve been an avid follower of yours for a very long time. Not only are you exceptionally knowledgeable, you provide clear and concise explanation that the view is able to understand apply to their own given situation. I’m very grateful and enjoy looking forward to new videos as and when you post them. Again, thank you!
@mrmaker93554 жыл бұрын
Outstanding! If I'd had a teacher like you at school I might of done something with my life instead of skiving off and wasting the chance of a decent education.
@keithrobinson55946 жыл бұрын
The bus bar tip is brilliant thanks so much for explaining it so clearly. I’ve just checked this on a new consumer unit and one leg was wrong side of the slot! Who’d have thought eh? New out of the box too! Respect
@ThePsykalist8 жыл бұрын
John.. A very well explained video. yours is by far the best explanation of this topic I have found to date. Thank you for taking the time to create this.
@garryroberts5106Ай бұрын
Clear , concise and informative. Many thanks for putting this up John . Much appreciated.
@acomment22423 жыл бұрын
Just about to fit one of these new plastic CU myself - bringing greenhouse, shed, garage and cellar together, which are then connected to the house, so thank you for your clear explanation, it is a great help.
@Engineerboy1005 жыл бұрын
Just Excellent!!! Just what I needed. I'm installing an automatic transfer switch for my back up generator and I don't know how to wire it, this has been a great help. Thank you
@lynx48k8 жыл бұрын
I have a 1970 house. I had the Wylex box replaced when I moved in because my surveyor red-flagged it. The lights are all on one circuit, and the sockets are all on another. The electrician put them on the same RCD. So now, if I trip my sockets at night, all the lights in the house go out. Genius!
@chestermartin23566 жыл бұрын
Another video said downstairs sockets and upstairs lights on 1 RCD, and opposite for the other RCD...then if there's a power out there is still at least residual light. Or just RCBOs like this no nonsense man says I feel like I should leave electrical work upto the experts, but then when you look at some so called experts work, it makes you glad people like this man put these videos out there so we have a chance of putting things right
@sansoucci53945 жыл бұрын
Your electrician has no common sense, If one breaker or fuse trips you have no light, He should have split the lighting in two.
@vikingofengland4 жыл бұрын
@@chestermartin2356 That is why I do as much work myself as I can. Then I know it is done to the standard that I want.
@jonnyshoestring93684 жыл бұрын
A cam pleasant explanation and the walkthrough made it easy to understand. Glad I came across you!
@charlesrotherhithe91834 жыл бұрын
Excellent video. I think the reason for the overhang described is so that part of the unit can be neatly recessed into a wall.
@DineshPatel-lq9cb4 жыл бұрын
Excellent and well explained videos as always. Keep doing, I know a lot of people are learning from your videos Thank you John
@wilsonmendees29114 жыл бұрын
Thank you Mr.JW
@thejonthegardener8 жыл бұрын
Hi there John thank you for the instruction on the consumer unit I've just replaced my old unit with a modern one but it kept tripping when I plugged any think in. It was just a case of the neutral wires it the the correct bus bar. Cheer's Jon.
@hyperion80089 жыл бұрын
Excellent video as always John. This is certainly a lot better than having no RCD's at all like so many older houses in the UK. I replaced my old MK fuse board with one of these last week and it started tripping due to a borrowed neutral. Thanks to you I knew exactly what was happening. Thanks and keep up the good work.
@Graham_Langley9 жыл бұрын
+hyperion8008 As changing a CU is notifiable how did you deal with it?
@tittytwister52519 жыл бұрын
+Graham Langley in your own home.... who cares? I'm a electrician by trade and if I installed it in my own home I wouldn't do any certification at all!
@Graham_Langley9 жыл бұрын
+tittytwister5251 An 'electrician by trade' who didn't know about borrowed neutrals until they saw John's video?
@tittytwister52519 жыл бұрын
im not the original poster of that comment... of course i know about borrowed neutrals..
@Graham_Langley9 жыл бұрын
+tittytwister5251 Oops - sorry.
@mazenbarakat2 жыл бұрын
Well Done John it is very clear and all information needed, Thank you
@Deebz2706 жыл бұрын
Great vid, as always *JW* - I've found that heatshrink can be cut and 'rewelded' using cyanocryolate... Carefully done, those copper Line (L) bus plates could be shrouded in brown heatshrink if a cover was not existent.
@theirisheditor9 жыл бұрын
Our house has a much older consumer unit from the early 1980s with bottle fuses. I think it's 4 x 6A for lights, 4 x 16A for sockets, 1 x 40A for the shed welder outlet and 1 x 65A master fuse. It has an 30mA rated chunky RCD that covers the sockets only and it is surprising the range of appliances that developed an earth fault over the years. Thankfully not many appliances go short circuit as replacing a bottle fuse is not fun, particularly if an appliance/lead develops an intermittent short.
@TEAMPHHrollsUSD7 жыл бұрын
JW thanks for explaining that each rcd circuit needs its own neutral bar.
@uittyman4 жыл бұрын
Well done on the explanation of the buzz bar and installing it. You done a better job in comparison to ghs electrical
@joshbingham77099 жыл бұрын
RCBOS All the way, more videos on domestic electrics john, love your videos
@SHAMIM80637 жыл бұрын
Excellent video as always John
@tpmbe6 ай бұрын
Many thanks for this very instructive video, Great Work
@richardfrancis94238 жыл бұрын
Thank you John for all your videos, really helpful.
@Flyingjaffacake8 жыл бұрын
Thanks for putting these vids up, very helpful!!
@truthwillout79093 жыл бұрын
Great video John.
@xerxel696 жыл бұрын
This guy is great. I wish my electrician was as good as him!
@Energy_696 жыл бұрын
Best explanation regarding fuse box 👍
@Electricworld-12 жыл бұрын
JW man I love you so much. Thank you
@HarleyBadger9 жыл бұрын
Interesting. We have RCDs built into some of the sockets which protect any sockets down the line from them. Required by our NEC for kitchen, bathroom, and outdoor sockets. We also have breakers with built-in RCDs, but as you said they are very expensive. And of course being that we use both 120v and 240v, we have different breakers for 120 and 240. Our main switch is required to be a breaker, just in case the individual breakers that have been fitted are loaded up as such that they are not individually overloaded, but combined exceed the mains input (typically 100, 150, or 200 amp for residences)
@HarleyBadger8 жыл бұрын
***** the most powerful home kettles are 1500w here. Although I did find a KitchenAid 3000w, it was 230v which we would have to install its own socket in the kitchen. Not very common though, most people in the US generally have only a small stovetop teapot, or use the coffeemaker for hot water. We're a bit strange ;-)
@AMAQAS_Editz7 жыл бұрын
Hi , thank you for all your great videos. can you tell be the best practice to extend cables to a new consumer unit 3 metres away. All cables are required to be extended. thanks in advance
@samjuggins73533 жыл бұрын
Adaptable box with all connections ?
@Kino66666657 жыл бұрын
Interesting, in germany we have light and sockets connected to the same breaker, but we have a breaker for every single room. Also we have 3 phase design for high power applications. Nice to know.
@peterpeterson99035 жыл бұрын
Daft idea really, if you lose that circuit then all your lighting, table lamps everything goes off. Could be quite dangerous actually.
@jbyfield88097 жыл бұрын
Do not suppose you could possibly do a video segment covering Din Rail Surge Protective Devices (SPD's)? I am curious and also now does appear to make reference in the new wiring regs 18th edition draft. Cheers.
@NeilVanceNeilVance8 жыл бұрын
Perfect vid John, Fitting a BG metal this weekend.
@paulcooper71377 жыл бұрын
very helpful as always very well explained john Thanks
@thebikerepairshopformby7 жыл бұрын
Great video, really helpful, thanks for taking the time to post up.
@johnmac80846 жыл бұрын
Another great video JW, thanks. I'm surprised those un-insulated live bus bars are still allowed - in this day and age of health & safety.
@jwflame6 жыл бұрын
Some makes have a plastic cover to clip over the busbars, however many do not. Not really a problem as the main switch should be off before removing the cover.
@johnbower4 жыл бұрын
Excellent explanation
@joyvanacker37499 жыл бұрын
WoW, here in Belgium they're a lot bigger, mine is even a floor model that is 2 meters in height... (But then I'm an electrician, so that's more geekiness I think)
@TheChipmunk20089 жыл бұрын
+Joy Van Acker Yeah, I think much of the EU has it much better than we do for design. While there are sufficient circuit ways, the amount of wiring space is TINY, not conducive to neat workmanship. It CAN be done but it's a lot more effort than it would be on a larger panel. Does Belgium follow what many EU countries do and have 3 phase 230/400v into the house/flat? That could explain the larger size too, keeping separation between phases? (guessing!)
@joyvanacker37499 жыл бұрын
+TheChipmunk2008 Here in Belgium you can choose betwoin 1f230+N, 3f230 or 3f400+N, that will give you larger panels also. But it's like you're saying, making your installation future proof by installing enough circuits is key I think. And neat cabling/installation is always a must! :-)
@TheChipmunk20089 жыл бұрын
+Joy Van Acker Thanks for the fast response, yes, you can tell a true craftsperson when you see them take that little extra time to make things neat. Incidentally, the 3phase 230v without neutral you speak of, is that the old 127v to ground with 220 between phases that much of Europe used to use? (Which also freaks out younger people with old stereo gear wondering why it has such an odd voltage option on the selector, 127v!)
@joyvanacker37499 жыл бұрын
+TheChipmunk2008 That's correct, 3f230 is 230v between the phases, 3f400+N is 230 between phase and neutral and 400 between phases.
@ppdan8 жыл бұрын
One reason why they are bigger in Belgium is because 2 pole breakers are mandatory (or more if 3f or 3f+N). Even N must go thru the breaker. Also your light and sockets must be kept separate (exceptions are possible) and the number of sockets per breaker is limited. Even in a smal house or apartment you will often need a 2x12 modules or more.
@dontseki67302 жыл бұрын
You are the best sir!
@igfoobar8 жыл бұрын
It is fascinating to see how different the electric distribution panels are in the UK ("consumer unit") and US ("load center"). Very surprising to see that the UK unit is basically just a plastic box with a DIN rail inside it. I do like the rails, actually, because it eliminates the need for bussing. I see everything is on the same line there. Are there any installations with split-phase power in the UK or is it typical to receive only a single leg of the circuit?
@jwflame8 жыл бұрын
The majority of homes have single phase 230V, supplied as two wires, a neutral and 230V. For anything larger you get 3 phase & neutral, 230V between each phase and neutral, 400V between any two phases. No need for anything else as all appliances are 230V.
@charliechimples6 жыл бұрын
Nice video John, thanks for sharing.
@williamsterben7 жыл бұрын
Excellent, just what I needed thank-you! Just got back from Screwfix with the exact same model of CU - but metal of course.
@elw88d889 жыл бұрын
Cheers, Very helpful and clear.
@elw88d889 жыл бұрын
+Adam Day If i was to put an extra rcb between the main switch as you stated for the Fridge freezer i.e if something trips the main ring I assume the 'singlr rcb would be okay for the Fridge freezer. Also how will the from fit on?
@newlife93828 жыл бұрын
ths s the most helpful video i ever watched, thnx sir
@SayWhatNow929 жыл бұрын
can you show us how you personally would set one up?
@whitefields55959 жыл бұрын
John, also can you do a video on just how many times a solid core wire can be disturbed inside a patress box, or CU, before it breaks. What is the fatigue characteristic of a solid copper core and how can that fatigue life be extended without annealing or some other form of heat treatment.
@alaahasany44956 жыл бұрын
Many thanks great John
@tramhicks12155 жыл бұрын
Very good, very clear!
@whitefields55959 жыл бұрын
John, Can you do a video on the use of torque set screwdrivers on the terminals please?
@Graham_Langley9 жыл бұрын
+whitefields5595 FWIW the CU here got changed recently and the sparks went round every terminal with his torque driver. Next day I checked them all. About half were still OK, most of the rest less tight than I'd like and a couple were now actually loose.
@whitefields55959 жыл бұрын
+Graham Langley ... indeed, I found similar, hence the question. It is almost as though you have to overtighten to make sure everything is seated, then back right off then tighten again to the right torque. Or at least that's what I do, but I do not use a torque set screwdriver
@alecgray44462 жыл бұрын
Brilliant. So clear that I'm determined to install my own myself. But is it still legal in the UK for a handyman (aka recreational electrician) to install a pre-wired consumer unit, rather than a qualified electrical tradesman. Fortunately I have installed one previously under the supervision of a qualified electrical tradesman so your refresher is much appreciated.
@abdussalammohamed86304 жыл бұрын
Excellent video Thanks
@bobfish76999 жыл бұрын
Hey JW. Great video - you mentioned your preference for RCBO units. How about doing a video about the internals of an RCBO consumer unit? It would be interesting to see the difference in wiring regimes as I would assume each RCBO would need their own neutral connection. Cheers
@sbusweb9 жыл бұрын
+Bob Fish Look them up, there are loads of images... its' really simple -- main switch feeding line busbar into the RCBOs, then all the flying neutral leads go back to a neutral bar... Each circuits' line+neutral connections go directly into output terminals on the RCBO. Simple... There are many videos on fitting those, too!.
@sengsothun69256 жыл бұрын
Nice layout
@pinchermartyn39592 жыл бұрын
Really useful. Thanks.
@sbusweb9 жыл бұрын
Why is that panel designed with 2 extra spaces to the right, out of interest? It looks like with an alternative cover the main switch could move 2 positions to the right, so as to allow the board to easily take 2 further breakers (e.g. 2 RCBOs to complement the 2 small RCD groups), not too bad a config at all if carefully thought out layout.
@DJefke0019 жыл бұрын
The inside of that unit just looks scary. Is it legal in the UK to have the busbars for phase and neutral exposed like that? (I don't consider the flimsy panel over the phase busbar decent :p)
@jwflame9 жыл бұрын
+DJefke RBBS Yes, most are constructed like that.
@danielhorgan36348 жыл бұрын
+DJefke RBBS Thats safe compared to some of the old boards i've worked on. You literally take your life in your hands when trying to add additional circuits, or work on them. Hate the things.
@sambda8 жыл бұрын
Some have plastic covers for the live busbar. Neutral connectors block/s is always exposed.
@Mark-ij2nh7 жыл бұрын
Ok here is a Shocker for you :)) The Neutral will not show voltage as long as its connected to the Neutral Bar then if you take a Neutral Wire from any Circuit even the mains Neutral then test the End it is a deadly Live Wire because the Returning current has no where to go so the Neutral wire becomes an extention to the Live wire. Scary Shit ay. So don't assume the Neutral is safe ever
@tinytonymaloney78323 жыл бұрын
Hi JW, I am moving my mains and will install a new C/U. I used to swear by MK in my contracting days but to be honest I think they have cheapened in quality and not even sure if they are made in UK anymore. Have you ever come across or used BG (British General) on your jobs and if so what do you think. I used a small 6 way DB in our temporary kitchen set up at home and to be honest I thought the quality was rather good but not 100% sure if it is really entirely British. That is one reason I would now convert to BG.
@jwflame3 жыл бұрын
MK consumer units and devices previously made in China, and now are still made in China under licence to a UK company set up to represent the Chinese manufacturer. www.circpro.co.uk/ BG are a lower priced option.
@johntcrilly2412 жыл бұрын
well explained thank you
@brettterence8 жыл бұрын
Excellent video, thank you !!
@primusjohn85854 жыл бұрын
Nice work sir
@josephamaglo39865 жыл бұрын
great explanation , thank you Sir
@esuohdica4 жыл бұрын
Hi John, I know this is a fairly old video, but maybe you still monitor questions..? The incoming DP switch is rated at 100A, but do the latest regulations say what the consumer circuit loads can add up to? I mean even in your example, you have a potential load of 148A total? I know this is unrealistic, but I'd be surprised if the regulations don't have something to say?!
@jwflame4 жыл бұрын
It's unusual for a circuit to ever be loaded to it's maximum rating for any length of time, and pretty much unheard of for all of them to be simultaneously fully loaded. Even if that did happen, the whole lot is protected by the electricity supplier's fuse, which is typically 80A or 100A, so that would disconnect the supply long before the main switch was damaged by overloading.
@rooselectrix48466 жыл бұрын
The 18th edition OSG states that such an arrangement (i.e.2 RCDs in one CU) is "Generally [...] not suitable for an installation forming part of a TT system as there is insufficient fault protection of the single insulated conductors which connect the load side of the double-pole main switch to the supply side of the RCCB." (p.37 in relation to Figure 3.6.3(ii) on p.36). I am not sure I understand why this is so. I would have thought that if there were a problem with a 2nd RCD there should also be a problem with RCBOs. I would be very grateful for your thoughts on this matter. Thank you.
@jwflame6 жыл бұрын
The supply side conductors are not protected by the RCD, and on a TT system the earth fault loop impedance will be high, so a fault between line and earth will not blow the main fuse. It's more of a problem with dual RCD efforts because they have single insulated flexible wires from the main switch to the RCDs, and one of those being damaged could make contact with the earthed metal case of the consumer unit. With an all RCBO board, line is on a solid fixed busbar so very unlikely to cause a fault to earth. However for all TT installations, there is still the possibility of a fault between the incoming line and the metal case of a consumer unit, there are various plastic glands and similar which are intended to avoid that happening. Or an time delayed RCD could be fitted before the consumer unit, although that can lead to other problems such as when used with single pole RCBOs.
@tinytonymaloney78324 жыл бұрын
I would like to see a 2021 version of this video as now I'm advised (still not done 18th Ed due to Covid) that each circuit requires an RCBO now and a anti surge device. I have googled 18th Edition complete C/U's and I haven't as yet found one that has all this stuff, just the same ones as you were using in this 6yr old video.
@michaelsrowland9 жыл бұрын
the cable from the bottom of the isolating switch then goes to the top of the right rcd. what is the thing called at the top of the right rcd that then sends the cable to the top of the left rcd?
@aleksandarsrdanov11712 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@ursamajor65466 жыл бұрын
Fantastic. Thank you! 👍👍
@ysnapzakazeeron8 жыл бұрын
Hi John, good video, so would the neutrals from the TOP of the RCDs go into the neutral bar on the far right as well as the neutral from the bottom of the main isolator switch and the neutrals from the BOTTOM of the 2 RCDs into the 2 separate remaining neutral bars?
@jwflame8 жыл бұрын
Panasonic HC-X900, now discontinued. The X920 is the current equivalent.
@j.w20007 жыл бұрын
we have an older type of consumer unit with one rcd protecting all rcd protected circuties and we have a switch under the consumer unit which when it trips all our electric is cut off we once had a boiler pipe leak and early in the morning the fuse under the consumer unit tripped and we was in a house without electric early in the morning when it was still dark it was winter i think at the time.
@TheEulerID5 жыл бұрын
Yes, and that's the problem with single RCDs. My preference is to use RCBOs. The way each circuit has it's own residual current protection so only that circuit is lost in the event of a fault and, as a bonus, it's easier to fault find. Retrofitting RCBOs is relatively simple, albeit that the box can get a bit cramped with the extra wiring involved and the larger devices, albeit that two slots are gained. The other issue is the cost, but as an installation is likely to be there for decades, it's not a ridiculously expensive job.
@navneetsingh51654 жыл бұрын
Nice sir It's a helpful video.
@eliasalizadeh20288 жыл бұрын
Does it need MEN link between neutral and earth bars?
@jwflame8 жыл бұрын
No, and in the UK such a connection is not permitted inside the consumer unit.
@petercrane82167 жыл бұрын
I was thinking the same thing, in Australia there is a link, but we do not use the dual type CU...all lighting and power outlet now has to have RCD or RCBO protection..
@kyleshady97779 жыл бұрын
Curious to know what 3- phase supply to a residence would be in the UK. Here in the US in some situations residential installations can receive 208Y/120 service if requested, rather than the usual split -phase 120
@jwflame9 жыл бұрын
+Kyle Shady Single phase is neutral & 230V, 3 phase is neutral & 3 phases, 400V between phases, 230V between each phase and neutral. Most residential installations are single phase, 3p is available in some areas but is rarely needed or used. Most commercial/industrial is 3 phase.
@kyleshady97779 жыл бұрын
+John Ward ok thanks, the only way to get single phase 240 here is through the use of step up transformers, or step down in the case of a 480Y/277v service. I'm surprised there are actually household appliances over there that use 400v
@jwflame9 жыл бұрын
+Kyle Shady There are no 400V household appliances - 3 phase would be used as 3 single phases where additional capacity was required, or for 3 phase items such as motors.
@goonzjav5 жыл бұрын
Hi John great video, what would cause the RCD to have burn marks at the bottom? Electricity trips but no fuses or RCD actually trip?
@jwflame5 жыл бұрын
Almost certainly loose connections, which cause overheating.
@RandyDarkshade29 жыл бұрын
Why are plastic units being discontinued?
@sbusweb9 жыл бұрын
+RandyDarkshade Supposedly fire-proofing requirements. Fires caused by loose connections or faulty installations have been an increasing danger according to the London Fire Brigade etc... John has a separate video "Metal Consumer Unit on TT Supply." definitely worth watching.
@redneckbryon9 жыл бұрын
To me that looks small but I'm in Canada where are panels are quite a bit larger and we have a lot more circuits. Saying that, Would that be considered a sub panel or is that the main panel?? What size of house would that panel be servicing?? Could you do a video on the different types of wire used in the UK??
@joshuabest1009 жыл бұрын
i think that panal would probably be for a flat or small cottages
@TheChipmunk20089 жыл бұрын
+RC MAD No, ring final circuits mean you only need one power circuit per floor, so that would do a fairly normal size house (but as John says, it IS on the small size.) Example for you, a 4 bed house I worked in had 8 circuits. Upstairs power, upstairs lights, downstairs power, downstairs lights, kitchen power, Outside circuits (both lights and power, lights being fed from a fused connection unit), water heater and electric cooker
@joshuabest1009 жыл бұрын
meh
@TheChipmunk20089 жыл бұрын
+RC MAD yep that was my reaction, not enough room for expansion.
@joshuabest1009 жыл бұрын
expansion is no go
@strongerandwiser2023 Жыл бұрын
What is that 2 into 1 peice called that links the RCD's. I have a board where the cable is pushed in with the bus bar at the bottom. Should be going into a y peice like that.
@jwflame Жыл бұрын
Bootlace ferrule or pin crimp. However to fit them requires the proper tool, which isn't particularly cheap. Some consumer unit manufacturers also weld the wire ends together so that they are a solid piece. If it's not using the correct wire, it will be cheaper and easier to just get a replacement cable set from the consumer unit manufacturer.
@Goabnb944 жыл бұрын
Wait, plastic switchboard enclosures are being banned? Did I hear that right?
@jwflame4 жыл бұрын
Yes, four years ago. Consumer units in domestic premises must be 'non-combustible' from January 2016. In reality, that means they are all made of steel now.
@kathywright36825 жыл бұрын
Well explained thank you .
@whitefields55959 жыл бұрын
... .and just to complete it include steel and brass screws onto copper wire. Copper wire necking creating a fracture point. Screws loosening inside (concealed) junction boxes. Comparison between steel and brass screws, perhaps stainless too. The ideal method for soldering copper cores together. I'll show you mine, if you show me yours.
@wisdom_wellness3658 жыл бұрын
Excellent!!
@Jone367 жыл бұрын
Hi John, what size are the main cables coming into the cunsumer unit?
@Graham_Langley9 жыл бұрын
One of my pet hates is rising clamp terminal blocks like this that leave a gap beneath the clamp.
@rayc50795 жыл бұрын
Why the neutral bar and the earth bar are not connected together ?
@jwflame5 жыл бұрын
Not permitted to do so.
@rayc50795 жыл бұрын
@@jwflame Looks like that each country have their own regulation !!
@davidvwilliamson9 жыл бұрын
thank you for your incredible movies. any chance of doing one about insulation testing? any point trying to do insulation testing with an ohmmeter?
@Aul-Chemist2 ай бұрын
Whats the CSA of the cables going into the RCD's
@jwflame2 ай бұрын
Depends on the make and rating, but 10mm² or 16mm² is typical. If they need replacing for whatever reason, use those provided by the manufacturer of the consumer unit.
@brotheradam6 жыл бұрын
can we still get the old plastic ones? I am worried about an area that is concrete wall, and has the possibility of water migration through the concrete, which to me is more dangerous than the possible fire damage... as the concrete will not burn.
@jwflame6 жыл бұрын
They are still available, although tend to be of the type intended for wet areas so have rubber seals on the front cover etc. Most sold for use in homes now are the metal type. Installing a plastic one in a house would not comply with BS7671. it would in other places.
@FoodOnCrack9 жыл бұрын
wait, only single pole breakers in the UK? Bit odd, i'm only used to double pole breakers in the Netherlands. Is it also normal for the bridge to be exposed like that?
@jwflame9 жыл бұрын
+FoodOnCrack Yes, most are designed like that. Some have a plastic cover over the copper bar, but plenty do not. Double pole breakers are available here but rarely used.
@hondacivic62604 жыл бұрын
Excellent 🔥🔥🔥🔥
@JasperJanssen8 жыл бұрын
Is the UK banning plastic boxes? What's the reasoning behind that? I mean, the plastic you've got there looks flimsy and thin, but in principle I think I'd rather have my mains stuff in plastic than in metal...
@jwflame8 жыл бұрын
Since January 2016, they must be 'non-combustible', with an example of that being steel. No other examples are given and no definition of 'non-combustible' is provided either, so in practice they are all steel now. This only applies in homes, commercial and industrial ones can still be plastic, however they are typically metal anyway and have been for decades.
@JasperJanssen8 жыл бұрын
Bakelite is pretty non-combustible. Maybe some of the fuse box manufacturers still have their machines from fifty years ago.
@selwynwalcott23958 жыл бұрын
b.
@idi0tdetectioninprogress8 жыл бұрын
The answer is twofold. Firstly, in most domestic applications, the consumer unit is sited either under stairs, or in entrance hallway. This causes major problems in the event of a consumer unit fire, and increases the risk of not getting out of the property. Sadly, it appears that it is also widely accepted, that the standard of installation in consumer unit replacement leaves much to be desired. Price work, fast track project delivery, and no quality control, means the shite standard will continue as the norm. This has more or less been said, without saying it! Introducing something which doesn't melt and keep burning is a sad way to have to combat it. Obviously it must be easier than raising installation standards.
@PerMejdal9 жыл бұрын
How common is it in the UK for a house to only have a single phase?
@jwflame9 жыл бұрын
+Per Mejdal Rasmussen Very common, probably more than 99% have a single phase. 3 phase would only be fitted if specifically requested, and only used if the house was very large or had something like a full size swimming pool in it.
@PerMejdal9 жыл бұрын
+John Ward Thanx for the reply. In Denmark 3 phase is so common that you can only get 3 phase RCDs in many DIY stores.
@sambda8 жыл бұрын
Almost all.
@shimpiden4 жыл бұрын
What size are the neutral cables that supply the rcd's and then to the neutral bars.
@jwflame4 жыл бұрын
16mm² typically but is does depend on the manufacturer of the consumer unit. If replacing them, they need to be the same type as specified by the manufacturer.
@shimpiden4 жыл бұрын
Thank you John. I am so very grateful for your excellently presented videos.
@ShrunkenHeadsTv9 жыл бұрын
Super! Many thanks.
@otval_ochka5 жыл бұрын
Hi, what’s the name of the terminals for flexible wires, I’m just from another country, and I can’t find them
@skabbymuff1114 жыл бұрын
thanks for this
@diprobase10009 жыл бұрын
+John ward can can you do a video on cable sizing.working out the tabulated current carrying capacity
@Z-add3 жыл бұрын
Does the new code require all to be rcbos and no longer requires dual rcd?
@jwflame3 жыл бұрын
It doesn't specifically require that, but what is needed is 'Every installation shall be divided into circuits as necessary to avoid danger and minimize inconvenience in the event of a fault' and with RCBOs being readily available, using a dual RCD arrangement doesn't meet that requirement.
@qichenqi6365 жыл бұрын
Love your videos, John. I am confused about why you can jump line wires from main switch to the two RCDs. I think from main switch to RCDs, there should be separate feed.
@professorjamesmoriarty51915 жыл бұрын
That isnt necessary as your not separating anything.
@sahrfomba2143 жыл бұрын
Job well done
@shobhanapatel41134 жыл бұрын
Circuits power for gas cooker power ratings? How do you know which rating is required