RCDs, RCBOs and Circuit Breakersare numbered automatically. The scheme used is as follows:
RCDs: F1, F2, F3, …
Protection Devices under the RCDs: F1.1, F1.2, F2.1, F2.2, ….
Back-up protection of RCDs: 2F1, 2F2, 2F3 ( in sync with the RCDs)
Protection Devices in the (pre) meter area: 1F1, 1F2, …
Protection Devices without RCD (or RCBO): F0.1, F0.2, F0.3 …
This numbering method produces “constant” and similar results regardless of how the scheme is set up (either with or without backups, etc.) This also means that there can never be any overlaps.
This type of numbering is the result of multiple discussions with electricians and the realization that there is no “perfect” way of numbering.
The consensus during the discussion was that
- RCDs should ideally be labelled F1, F2, F3
- any existing back-up protections require “synchronous” numbering
- the old “old” way of numbering with “Q” for back-up protections no longer meets the current standards (would have simplified many things)
- other additional protection devices must not prevent the first RCD from being labelled F1.
The numbering method of the protections in the (pre-)meter area and the “other” protections are subordinate to these main rules in such a way that no conflicts can arise.
If you don’t like this scheme, you can also number all the protection devices manually.