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Switchgear Modernization: Residual Current Circuit Breaker & Isolating Switch - 25A or 16A?

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Can I use an RCD as the main breaker in my apartment switchboard, and if I add a main isolating switch, should it be 25A or 16A?

No, the RCD should not be used as the main switch; use a separate main switch disconnector in front of it [#14179675] In a TN-S system you can use RCDs for the circuit groups, but it is better to split the sockets into more than one RCD for reliability, and lighting does not have to be on an RCD unless there is a specific need such as a bathroom circuit [#14179695][#14179730][#14179946] For the main isolating switch, 25A is enough for the case discussed, but the rating should be chosen to match the installation/load, and disconnectors are available in standard steps like 16A, 20A, 25A, 32A, 40A, 63A, 80A, and 100A [#14179735][#14180190][#14180884]
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  • #1 14179647
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  • #6 14179730
    zdzisiek1979
    Level 39  
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    Krzysztof_Bo wrote:

    2. The switch disconnector can give 100A, it is the main (manual) switch


    It is impossible to choose the disconnector like that because the trail will hit it.
    The disconnector has contacts and when disconnecting the operating currents, the electric arc must clean the contacts.
    Therefore, there is a whole range of operating currents to choose the right one.

    Example of a series of currents (eaton switch disconnector) 16A - 20A - 25A - 32A - 40A - 63A - 80A - 100A


    Do not give the RCD switch on the lighting because there is no such need, do you sleep with the lamp at night?
    Better to separate the socket circuits into several RCDs, there will always be a more reliable installation. If it is scored, it is not just a fragment.


    Moderated By Akrzy74:

    Harmful tip!
    It is forbidden to publish entries that do not contain substantive content, contain harmful advice, advice that is not an attempt to solve the problem.
    It concerns the selection of the switch disconnector and residual current device, which should also be used in some lighting circuits!

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  • #9 14179946
    jann111
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    zdzisiek1979 wrote:
    Do not give the RCD switch on the lighting because there is no such need, do you sleep with the lamp at night?

    And what if there is a bathroom in his apartment and such a need will suddenly arise. :wink:
  • #10 14180190
    e-sparks
    Electrician specialist
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    krifer wrote:
    So in this case, a switch with a rated current of 25A is enough?
    That's enough, but if you put in all 5 zlotys, you will have the 100-amp (it doesn't make any poverty), and such a sentence:
    zdzisiek1979 wrote:
    It is impossible to choose the disconnector because it will hit it trail .
    The disconnector has contacts and when disconnecting the operating currents, the electric arc must clean the contacts.
    Therefore, there is a whole range of operating currents to choose the right one.

    Example of a series of currents (eaton switch disconnector) 16A - 20A - 25A - 32A - 40A - 63A - 80A - 100A
    put between the fairy tales ... or preferably treat it with a piece of paper
  • #11 14180223
    zbich70
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    Somehow I do not know 100A switch disconnectors, which would be a shame when disconnecting the current 4 times lower than the rated current.
  • #12 14180729
    zdzisiek1979
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    There is probably something like self-cleaning of contacts.
    This applies to both contactors and disconnectors.
    And if this process did not exist, the producers would not produce such a large range of currents. It's a good idea to produce a 16A or 40 switch disconnector if you can do one or two for 80A or 100A.
  • #13 14180884
    Miniax
    Electrician specialist
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    Krzysztof_Bo wrote:
    1. Lack of selectivity at the meter, you need to change the overcurrent switch to, for example: STV with a D01 / 02 insert.


    I would have refrained from this "must" and with topics, not knowing the IPZ. Additionally, the inserts may, in certain situations, reduce the functionality of the installation and increase the costs of its operation.


    zdzisiek1979 wrote:
    There is probably something like self-cleaning of contacts.
    This applies to both contactors and disconnectors.
    And if this process did not exist, the producers would not produce such a large range of currents. It's a good idea to produce a 16A or 40 switch disconnector if you can do one or two for 80A or 100A.


    It's practically only about the price and dimensions, because larger currents need more "meat" (especially when it comes to contactors).
    The contacts, being turned on, do not get dirty because they do not have how (unless they are badly hurt, but this is a camera defect). It is only when disconnecting loads (especially capacitive or inductive) that an arc arises, which can burn out these contacts if there is no appropriate extinguishing, which may result in quick wear of the apparatus, and even sticking of the contacts.

    Additionally, even having a circuit in which 100A can flow and a 100A switch, no one checks the value of the current flowing in the circuit during disconnection, and usually even before using the switch, as much of the load as possible is turned off so as not to load it too much.
  • #14 14215632
    artwozniak
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    Hi,
    A little unearthed but in the subject.
    Recently, during the course, there was a discussion whether to use an isolating switch that cuts off the N or only L circuit in the TNC network system in the home switchgear.
    How do you think? Is it logical to break N while doing PEN too?
    Moderated By Akrzy74:


    We do not deal with supernatural phenomena on the forum - what my friend wrote was nonsense.

  • #15 14215646
    zbich70
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    And where do you have N in the TN-C system?
    Which means that N "does" for PEN ?
    There is no such term in electrical engineering.
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  • #16 14215660
    TWK
    Electrician specialist
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    Protective (N) and protective-neutral (PEN) conductors must not be interrupted by connectors.
  • #17 14215685
    e-sparks
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    TWK wrote:
    Protective conductors (N)
    The protective conductor is called PE , that is P. rotective E. arth, while the cord N ( N eutral) may be interrupted by hyphens.
  • #18 14215692
    artwozniak
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    zbich70 wrote:
    And where do you have N in the TN-C system?
    Which means that N "does" for PEN ?
    There is no such term in electrical engineering.


    All in all, you're right - to be precise, I should write PEN.
    Right bourge.

    But I am still puzzled by the idea of cutting off the whole (I was taught not to disconnect such a circuit).
  • #19 14215711
    zbich70
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    artwozniak wrote:
    But I am still puzzled by the idea of cutting off the whole (I was taught not to disconnect such a circuit).

    You know the saying "Who breaks the PEN, this mind has no sense" ?
  • #20 14215852
    Anonymous
    Anonymous  

Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around the modernization of switchgear in an apartment, specifically the use of a residual current circuit breaker (RCD) as the main circuit breaker and the installation of an isolating switch. Participants suggest that an RCD should not serve as the main switch and recommend using a switch disconnector with a higher rated current (e.g., 25A or 100A) for better reliability. The configuration of the electrical system (TN-S) is noted, with suggestions to use multiple RCDs for different circuits (lighting and sockets) to enhance safety. The importance of selecting the appropriate rated current for disconnectors to prevent issues during operation is emphasized. Additionally, there is a discussion about the implications of interrupting neutral and protective-neutral conductors in TNC systems.
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