DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

hi all,

I would like ask you how/if I can change few bits in the kitchen.

At the moment, I have one main fuse for all sockets in the house.
I would like change all this: http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Images/Prod ... /BG950.JPG from washing machine, diswasher, fridge, hood, hob etc for like this: http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/MKK3638.html
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/MKK4896BR.html
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/MKK4896DW.html
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/MKK4896FG.html
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/MKK4896HB.html
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/MKK4896WDR.html

anybody, can help me with it? its possible to have the Grid Plate on the wall instead of lots of switches?

regards

Yes you can including fuses within the grid switch system. The problem with grid switches is getting it all into the box without any wires popping off. So very important to earth back box so fuse/MCB will open rather than a stray wire making whole lot live.

Tied to this getting all wires into the box it is common to run parallel supplies rather than one heavier cable to make it easier to get them all in the box. However once fitted to remove again to test to insure both cables are connected and nothing has come off it means testing from the consumer unit side.

Once satisfied all is connected correct keeping the test results will help in the future. If you measure earth loop impedance of say 1.02 ohms at say the fridge socket then next time you will know that's the reading to expect. So 1.40 ohms although within limits you would realise there is something wrong.

The other method is not to use parallel supplies but individual supplies so four switches would have four supplies or even two switches to each supply so two 20A fuse/MCB's are used for feed rather than one 32A MCB/fuse. By using ali-tube cable one can then have fridge/freezer without RCD protection so reducing the chance of failure while on holiday. Do remember anything without RCD protection the earth loop impedance is very important.

Because of both the chances of error are much higher here and you need expensive test gear plus under Part P building regulations either you have to pay the LABC a lot of money or use a scheme member electrician this work is not really a DIY job.

There are other options like having a mini-consumer unit in the kitchen but again not as easy as it first seems. The earthing method can with some houses preclude the use of single pole MCB/Fuse as an isolation device and items with motors often require isolators rather than simple switch.

I would suggest step one select an electrician and get a quote and he may on seeing what you have come up with other suggestions. Ask the LABC what their charges are they vary in England and different system in Scotland then decide the next step. I think you will find cheaper not to DIY or at least not worth the hassle for money saved to DIY.

Please do say what you have found. I know we found huge difference between Liverpool and Wales (Wales has fixed system all counties) so would be interesting to see how it varies through out the country.

Flintshire were insistent on qualifications Liverpool were not as hard to satisfy that one had the ability.