C2 or C3 ? Wrong brand of mcb

newfutile · Jan 19, 2022

Which code would you give to a Wylex board populated with Hagar mcbs ,Wylex main switch and Wylex rcd.
Wylex once told me that nsb and nh breakers are not allowed on the same busbar !

Deleted account · Jan 19, 2022

Probably C3, unless the buzbar it’s attached to is warped as a result of poor fitting, then I’d C2, but normally just a C3 for me.

Dustydazzler · Jan 19, 2022

As above ,

If the MCB fits neatly onto the bar then its a C3

If the bar is mangled twisted bent to get the MCB on it then C2

pc1966 · Jan 19, 2022

As above, agrees with the BPG #4

Code C3 - Improvement recommended

Mixed branded switchgear components within a consumer unit or distribution board where:

there are no signs of thermal damage to component or associated connections
the enclosure/assembly hasn’t been modified to allow installation of the component
the component is securely fitted and all connections are adequate
correct manual operation of the component
direction of use of toggles/switches is the same as existing devices

Note: If any of the above criteria is not met, this would warrant a code C2 classification to be recorded.

buzzlightyear · Jan 19, 2022

c2 does not meet manufacturers instructions .

telectrix · Jan 20, 2022

C3 in my book, if no problems like mentioned before.

brianmoooore · Jan 20, 2022

Based solely on the appearance from the outside, I'd be absolutely fine with that, but it would still attract a C3, plus another one for being plastic. Would need to see with the cover off before a final decision.

pc1966 · Jan 20, 2022

Actually I would like to know why it ended up like that. After all, Wylex MCBs are not exactly hard to come by and Hager are, while good products, not exactly the cheapest choice either.

Very odd!

newfutile · Jan 20, 2022

Maybe it had NSB Wylex once, i work for a housing association so its hard to figure out what the contractors thought ,the case was quite badly butchered and cracked so I have installed a new consumer unit today !

brianmoooore · Jan 20, 2022

pc1966 said:
direction of use of toggles/switches is the same as existing devices

So what's the consensus on Wylex 3036 boards fitted with plug in MCBs? MCBs are 'down' for off; older 3036 boards are 'up' for off on the main switch.

pc1966 · Jan 20, 2022

brianmoooore said:
So what's the consensus on Wylex 3036 boards fitted with plug in MCBs? MCBs are 'down' for off; older 3036 boards are 'up' for off on the main switch.

Interesting point, though I guess all such plug-in MCBs operate the same way though!

EDIT: That is also a UK versus EU+USA sort of thing. Our convention for most switches has been down=on but I often see up=on abroad.

pc1966 · Jan 20, 2022

newfutile said:
the case was quite badly butchered and cracked so I have installed a new consumer unit today !

OK, problem solved!

Still, interesting to see what folks think about it anyway.

pc1966 · Jan 20, 2022

brianmoooore said:
So what's the consensus on Wylex 3036 boards fitted with plug in MCBs? MCBs are 'down' for off; older 3036 boards are 'up' for off on the main switch.

Also I guess in that specific case it is not "mixed brand" or against the manufacturer's recommendation as Wylex make them specifically for their own 3036 boards!

The cover and/or any danger of fingers accessing live parts is another issue of course.. I have cut out the inside of the lid before so it fits round a set of MCBs OK.

Still, even allowing for the cover (or lack of) my own feeling is they are a safety upgrade for such boards as few folk in the general public are competent to change fuse wire (getting both rating and terminations correct) and the risk of plugging the fuse in to a live board, and possibly on to a fault, to me is far higher than the risk of someone idly pulling one out to poke the terminals. Also I think those MCBs are all 3kA breaking, so higher than many of the 3036 fuse/carriers deliver.

Obviously not nearly as good as a new CU with RCD, etc, but better than leaving some old codger to try and fit 5A wire in the dark.

brianmoooore · Jan 20, 2022

pc1966 said:
the risk of plugging the fuse in to a live board, and possibly on to a fault,

Did that once.
Didn't do it again!

newfutile · Jan 26, 2022

The is BEAMA‘s advice on the matter, which says no!
As they represent the manufactures and the regs say we must take that into account, i think the answer must be a C2 for wrong brand Mcb installed.

C2 or C3 ? Wrong brand of mcb

newfutile

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