Xtremevan consumer unit

If we have an existing consumer unit with single pole MCB's is it possible to just replace with double pole ones, retaining the original unit ?
Or is that just wishful thinking.

 

Ideally, it's the RCD that needs to be double pole (to protect you). Worth considering taking the whole lot out and fitting a dual-pole RCBO (a combined RCD and MCB), as the prices have come down. A single 16A job will do if you've only got sockets. Much neater and smaller installation.

 

I just like my existing unit as it has a built in domestic plug socket for the charger.

 

Cut the plug off and hard wire it to a second breaker, then you can switch off the charger if you change the unit.

 

The plug is actually moulded into the plastic casing, which is a shame.

 

Its probably quite a tiny charger, if its a wall wart style. If you were spending money on updating the consumer unit, you could always by a cTek or similar at the same time.
This allows upgrading the charger to keep up with demand while you are using the bus on hookup - 5 to 10 Amp capacity deals with most use.

 

This is my setup, fitted to bus when I got it.
I've got it plugged into mains in garage and have wondered if that's a good idea as I've no information about the charger ( output etc.)

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This kit looks reasonable.


Its not 100% possible to tell but the transformer visible inside the charger is the kind of size you would see in a 10 amp switch mode battery charger.
So its the right size charger for a hookup type setup, where it can run 12 volt lights and other loads off the charger without flattening the battery.

In keeping with various laws of the universe, the rating plate for the battery charger will be on the side opposite to the wiring, against the insulation beside it.

If you were to change the consumer unit for one without a mains socket, if you wanted, basically you could cut the mains plug off and hard wire it to a circuit breaker to save on the footprint of the consumer unit.

 

Just got to sort out which consumer unit...cant find one " off the shelf ".
Probably a garage type with space for 2 switches if the 2 pole mcb's take double the space.

 

A single 16A RCBO will do you nicely. Much neater

 

But surely it needs to fit in some sort of consumer unit....or am I missing something?

 

It combines an RCD and a circuit breaker in one unit, so for a single circuit (sockets, say) that’s all you need. I fitted mine in a small, plain Wylex DIN rail box from Screwfix.

Just looks like a chunky circuit breaker. They’re all the rage, don’t ya know

 

Best get one, got to be down there with the kids!

 

I’ll try and find a pic of mine.

 

Then I'll show you mine ( later...probably much later!)

 

Interested - I`ll probably put something 240-wise in the van for emergency use ONLY .

Must be getting bored ....

 

These are the 2 i’ll be using.
One for Hookup:
https://www.electricaldirect.co.uk/product/metal-enclosure-4-module-581258
RCBO & MCB

One for Inverter:
https://www.electricalcounter.co.uk...dule Metal Enclosure with lid IP40/2578404044
Just an MCB as have an RCD Powerbreaker by the Inverter (actually, it all resides in my head at the moment as the van is in bits )

They are the smallest metal (which I think is what is advised now) ones I can find.


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Here y'go. Teeny-weeny. Mine's made by Legrand, but others are available. It's in a boggo Wylex isolator box from The Screwfix.

 

Not being ohh fayy with electrickery , i feel the need to ask if that's double pole ??
Apologies if it's a silly question but I believe double pole is a must ...


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The one I have is double-pole: it breaks both live and neutral whatever the source of the fault (RCD bit or MCB bit). Worth checking before splashing out. Generally (going down the rabbit hole here...) the single-width units will only break the live.