Changing an MCB....

[Teddy54]

Hi folks , I need to change and MCB in my flat as the rating is to low for the circuit its supplying, Only problem is I have never seen this kind of busbar before. Its goes were the Breaker is sat on top of the busbar just behind the screw/clamp and not actually in the seperate bit at the back on the bottom side.

Now my questions is , am I ok to buy a normal breaker and just cut out the pop outs at either side of the screw and sit the breaker on this way?

Hope this makes sense and any help greatly appreciated.
Cheers

 

[Spazz]

Get yourself a copy of the onsite guide 17th Regs and look at Appendix F

 

[lamb]

Wylex NSB breakers will fit straight into that board. All electrical wholesalers will stock them.

 

[johnboy6083]

i suggest that if the OP is to have a go at looking at this probelm himself, then he needs to start with the basics.
What is his load?
what is the install method and derating factors?
Volt drop?
dont ever EVER EVER change an MCB without taking into consideration the design of the whole circuit.

 

[Octopus]

I'm amazed by this thread.

Please don't go installing a 40A breaker unless you are 100% sure of the run and installation method of the cable.

Actually, I think that leaving the 32A in place is the way to go, just imagine the size of your electricity bill if the shower doesn't trip the MCB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[a1guvner]

Dont forget your load at 230v is 41.3a before any derating, favourite option uprate the cable size or derate the shower to a suitable rating for your design current and method of installation

 

[UNG]

I find it interesting that all the advice revolves around increasing the breaker size and no mention has been made of testing the circuit integrity or that of the whole installation how long ago was a PIR / EICR carried out this could be a loose connection on the wiring or even in the shower itself

If the supply voltage is extremely low due to a DNO fault then that could be the reason ( yes I have seen that one )

It is all to easy in older installations to just up the MCB size without considering other factors like the shower isolator but I am curious about the OP as a 3rd year apprentice I would have expected a bit more knowledge and why post on here and not discuss it with the spark you are working with

 

[Octopus]

I find it interesting that all the advice revolves around increasing the breaker size and no mention has been made of testing the circuit integrity or that of the whole installation how long ago was a PIR / EICR carried out this could be a loose connection on the wiring or even in the shower itself

If the supply voltage is extremely low due to a DNO fault then that could be the reason ( yes I have seen that one )

It is all to easy in older installations to just up the MCB size without considering other factors like the shower isolator but I am curious about the OP as a 3rd year apprentice I would have expected a bit more knowledge and why post on here and not discuss it with the spark you are working with

A reasonable contribution so the only thing I can add is call in a competent electrician