new spur socket - fuse box upgrade?

[DaveCWK]

Hi,

I've been told that in order to add a spur with a new socket on to the existing sockets circuit that the RCD needs upgrading from type AC to type A, & also the other circuits should also be upgraded to type A due to having LED bulbs in the downlights, induction hob etc, So basically a complete replacement. Pic of fuse box:



Just a sense check really - is this right? This isn't that old (relatively - maybe 7 years old?) & is a metal enclosure, not the plastic type.

[finlo]

Constantly moving the goalposts to flog you something new!

[untakenname]

Can't they replace the AC units with Type A and keep the existing fusebox?

https://www.screwfix.com/p/british-general-32a-30m...

[gmaz]

That looks like a modern (metal) CU with surge protection so I'm very surprised it needs any work for a spur. A spur is one of the things permitted by DIY (the last I heard) and I'm sure they would not expect a homeowner to know about RCDs

[ATG]

Type A are supposed to be better at detecting earth leakage when you don't just have a simple resistive load on the circuit. They can detect leakage when the loads is rectified and only taking half the a/c phase. So my guess is that the more devices we use that are low powered and have an AC to DC converter, the greater the risk that a Type AC RCD isn't going to detect an earth leakage and won't trip. How material is that risk? Dunno.

There is no direct connection between upgrading your RCDs and adding a spur, though. Those are two completely separate things.

[Mr Pointy]

Your CU is in a better state than probably half of those in the UK. Find another electrician who isn't trying to rip you off.