100 Main Switch (consumer unit)

[j.capes]

Hi, sorry for what might seem to be a silly question for many of you. Does the main switch in the ccu offer any protection ( fault or overload)? I understand that some offer RCD protection but do most just act as a simple switch and offer no protection at all just there for simple isolation? Or do some offer just overload protection only. So if by some very unlikely situation you overloaded the installation would the main switch trip out on the ccu or would it bypass the main switch and blow the main suppliers fuse??? Any help on this would be really appreciated. Thank you.

 

[DurhamSparky]

It offers protection in the form of you turn it off and it will turn the power off!!

other than that no it offers nothing!!!

chances are the main fuse will blow !!!

 

[Electricalserv]

main switch

Hi, sorry for what might seem to be a silly question for many of you. Does the main switch in the ccu offer any protection ( fault or overload)? I understand that some offer RCD protection but do most just act as a simple switch and offer no protection at all just there for simple isolation? Or do some offer just overload protection only. So if by some very unlikely situation you overloaded the installation would the main switch trip out on the ccu or would it bypass the main switch and blow the main suppliers fuse??? Any help on this would be really appreciated. Thank you.

Your main switch will not trip in the event of a fault. If your main switch incorporates an RCD then thats a different matter and it will trip.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

No it doesn't.
The 100A is the rating that the switch is designed for.
Most equipment will have an amperage rating.

 

[topquark]

A main switch MAY incorporate an RCD as well (in which case it will be identified as such on the device).

 

[DurhamSparky]

In reality the Main fuse / Main RCD isolator should never trip/blow on Overload!!! if it does and its from a circuit fault you need to ask serious questions about circuit protection!!

 

[j.capes]

It offers protection in the form of you turn it off and it will turn the power off!!

other than that no it offers nothing!!!

chances are the main fuse will blow !!!

by main fuse you mean the suppliers fuse will blow? so the ccu main switch will remain closed without being affected?

 

[DurhamSparky]

suppliers fuse YES!! probably rated at 60-80Amps!!

if teh fuse dont blow the CU will probably Melt and catch fire!!