ᐅ RCCB for Screw Terminal / Household Circuit Breaker

Hello everyone

We live in a very old apartment with a fuse box that uses screw-in fuses for circuit protection.

Now that I have a child, I am wondering what the easiest way is to get residual current device (RCD) protection. The fuse box is very cramped, and RCDs that mount on a DIN rail are too large for the box.

QUESTION: Are there RCDs available that can be installed like household screw fuses? The device should, of course, provide both circuit protection and residual current protection. If so, where can I buy something like this?

Best regards

Stefan

PS: I can imagine many electricians might see this as a makeshift solution, but when living in an old rental apartment (and possibly moving out soon), a cost-effective solution would be preferable 🙂

Hello Newbee,

If any changes need to be made to the electrical panel, please have a professional do it. How old is the building or the wiring? An RCD (residual current device) sometimes requires newer wiring to function effectively.

To give you more precise advice, I would need to know the approximate age.

By the way, all the best for your little one.

Regards,
Roland

Thank you, Roland.

The building is about 40 years old. The wiring has never been updated.

If it is not possible to install a residual current device (RCD) at the distribution board/fuse box, then one would need to be installed at every socket outlet. Can a professional measure the wiring to determine if it is suitable for an RCD at the distribution board?

QUESTION: Are there models that can be permanently mounted (e.g., surface-mounted) or as replacements for the socket outlets?

PS: The original question about whether there is an RCD in the form of a screw-in fuse has not been answered yet. 😉

PPS: The buttonhole is almost 3 years old, a second buttonhole will be filled in the next few days.. 🙂

Hello,

let’s put it this way: there is a lot in the industry, but whether it all makes sense is questionable. Even houses that are only half as old usually don’t have residual current devices (RCDs) installed. When you are on site, you can check which cables have been installed and especially whether the outlets are properly protected. Where do you live? Maybe I can recommend someone to advise you on site and see what is possible with the existing construction.

Regards
Roland

Hello,
have you already spoken with your landlord and shared your concerns about the safety measures?

Usually, this falls under modernization, and if you’re lucky, the landlord will cover the modernization costs.

Regards
Erika