Upgrade Main breaker box

[bearded_bluto]

On my list of things to do in the future has arrived. Been dealing with termites. Currently ripping off drywall and studs, in the spot where the underground power cable comes into the house. I currently have just a square D box, nothing fancy like earth fault detection (rccb?).

I have single phase 30A meter connection. I would like to change the breakers to rccb type (30ma) a whole house surge protection, ayne 2 transfer switches or one 3 way (one for solar and one for diesel genset andthen the mains) and perhaps a main cutoff switch. 

 

Is this overkill? If its not broke leave it alone is on my mind. Is the surge protection worth it? My cheapest route would just be to change the breakers to rccb type and forget the rest. There is so much lighting during the rainy season and I feel like I am way overdue for induction or a powerline strike nearby.

[Crossy]

Good call on using RCBOs.

 

As a minimum I would install a separate 2-pole isolator on the incoming supply, before it goes to your box. This will allow you to completely isolate from the grid and work on your kit with no chance of live wires.

 

Definitely decent surge protection (60kA or more).

 

Ensure you have a proper ground and MEN connection.

 

You might want to get an over-size DIN rail box so you can add transfer switches etc. as and when required. Dependent upon exactly how you install your solar you may not actually need one.

 

This PEA document is worth a peruse Groundwire Mk2 book-Manual.pdf

 

The relevant diagram with my translations.

 

[OneMoreFarang]

Make sure you understand the difference between RCCB and RCBO.

 

And, IMHO, use a BIG box to put all those RCCBs, RCBOs, MCBs inside. Many small breaker boxes are so overfilled with cables that it is difficult to see what is happening and even worse to actually work on those things.

[bearded_bluto]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll update in a couple weeks with what I did.

[bearded_bluto]

On 12/17/2024 at 6:18 AM, Crossy said:

Good call on using RCBOs.

 

As a minimum I would install a separate 2-pole isolator on the incoming supply, before it goes to your box. This will allow you to completely isolate from the grid and work on your kit with no chance of live wires.

 

Definitely decent surge protection (60kA or more).

 

Ensure you have a proper ground and MEN connection.

 

You might want to get an over-size DIN rail box so you can add transfer switches etc. as and when required. Dependent upon exactly how you install your solar you may not actually need one.

 

This PEA document is worth a peruse Groundwire Mk2 book-Manual.pdf

 

The relevant diagram with my translations.

 

What happens if there is a fault with the incoming neutral, the ground at some pole outside?, I feel like in that situation your ground  in your home becomes the new village ground/neutral. I'm certainly no expert but that is my first impression. Seems complicated to me. PEA reversed my neutral and Live at the meter a few years back, by accident I suppose, but that would really complicate the above diagram i think.

[GammaGlobulin]

On 12/15/2024 at 1:24 AM, bearded_bluto said:

Currently ripping off drywall and studs

 

Sorry.

I thought you said....

Ripping off studs.

 

Anyway, I, too, must replace my breaker box.

I will chose one of the highest quality.

 

One from America.

 

Square D.

 

Schneider...all the way!