Changing an MCB

[Johnrk]

Hi, I have a 2 year old MCB / RCB board and it looks like one of the MCB breakers has developed a fault, the lights in the house on this circuit will not work despite resetting the MCB. all others are working ok. I want to remove the MCB and replace it, can I do this safely after switching off the mains switch? sounds stupid but I assume that the power will not reach the MCBs if this is off, am I correct please.

 

[trev]

Forgive how this comes across mate but it sounds like you have no idea what you're proposing to do. Best advice is to get a suitably qualified electrician in to do the job for you. Inside a consumer unit is not the best place for the uninitiated to go poking around in. The job shouldn't cost very much, post up your rough location I'll bet we will have a member near you.
A sparky will definitely be cheaper and less upsetting than a funeral.

 

[Moses]

Has this MCB / RCB got a small test button on it as well as the ON/OFF?

Post a picture?

 

[PC Electrics]

There are many possibilities to why your lights aren't working. A broken wire in the circuit is far more likely than a faulty 2yr old MCB.

Seriously, with your lack of knowledge (and no doubt lack of suitable test equipment), find an electrician.

 

[telectrix]

as above^^^^. a bit likeasking a doctor... " iv'e got a lump in my throat. will it be OK to cut it out as long as i've stopped breathing"

 

[Johnrk]

Point taken, I will get an electrician in, cheers

 

[PC Electrics]

What town are you in? Maybe one of the regulars here can help you.

 

[sedgy34]

yes you are correct turn the main switch off first, guys he may be right faulty mcb there were quite a few mcb recalls recently.

and before you start its like for like (diy) tin hat on

 

[Current Affairs]

yes you are correct turn the main switch off first, guys he may be right faulty mcb there were quite a few mcb recalls recently.

and before you start its like for like (diy) tin hat on

He sounds like he should be no where near the inside of the consumer unit, Their is still a severe risk for a novice. He needs an electrician not guidance, aint no RCD protecting him from an Electric shock inside the CU!!

 

[Octopus]

Could it be there is a fault on the lighting circuit? Won't necessarily be the mcb!

 

[nickblake]

Some sound advice here , yes it could be a faulty mcb , or it could be a fault on the circuit but with all due respect to the chap reading the posts im unsure of his capabilities and if he installs the incorrect MCB could well cause an issue with insurance these days could well invalidate his insurance

 

[telectrix]

it's rare for a MCB that's only 2 or 3 years old to fail. there may well be a poor connection somewhere. arcing away just waiting to start a fire. this is why OP has been advised to get a professional in, so the whole circuit can be tested for faults.

 

[High Tower]

I echo what others have said!! The interior of a CU, is no place for anyone who is less than fully competent!, even with the main switch off, there are still a pair of nice big shiny tails waiting to bite!!, it's just not worth the risk for the sake of a relatively small call out!

 

[Guest111]

typical, precisely what we were on about the other day,some diy,er comes on here asking for advice on something way out of his league we ask for a location so one of us can help and he disappears. Hospital ward or mortuary I wonder?

 

[Octopus]

typical, precisely what we were on about the other day,some diy,er comes on here asking for advice on something way out of his league we ask for a location so one of us can help and he disappears. Hospital ward or mortuary I wonder?

Or if they live on his/her own they could be at home, unable to call for help!

Dramatic maybe, BUT several of us have all suggested the same.

Maybe the OP (original poster) could update us!