Hager boards. Cant stand them

[Deleted member 9648]

Had to replace an MCB on an existing Hager board (dual RCD) as part of yesterday afternoons job. Having to drop the entire busbar just to change one MCB, and then fiddling around in a tight space to get it back, then the paranoia over whether I've missed a clamp. Mirror, torch...still cant really tell because of the shelf just below the CU.
Any board designed to make it highly likely that even a competent person cant be sure the devices are properly installed once the board is in- situ should be outlawed.

 

[telectrix]

Having to drop the entire busbar just to change one MCB,

you get that with most CUs. PITA.

 

[Midwest]

Agree, done a MK CU recently, where the whole job has been a 'work in progress'. Had the busbar in/out more times than I care to remember.

You may wish to post here wirepuller;

Which domestic Consumer Unit and why? - https://www.electriciansforums.co.uk/threads/which-domestic-consumer-unit-and-why.124667/#post-1328988

 

[Leesparkykent]

Are you sure? You don't normally have to drop it out on a hager board.

 

[Deleted member 9648]

Have they changed the design then? This was a plastic board but fairly recent, mcb release clip was on the bottom and the busbar was loose, only secured by the devices. Devices would not release with the busbar in place
People moan about proteus and M2.....but even they manage to design a board where the busbar stays put.

 

[Toneyz]

I've got an old Hager split consumer unit and when I put in an MCB did not have to take out bus-bar.

 

[Leesparkykent]

2min 50 secs in.

 

[Deleted member 9648]

OK..me having a blonde moment then!
That mcb really didn't want to come out though.

 

[Gavin John Hyde]

You sometimes have the little clip/clamp on the bottom rear that is stiff, to avoid taking the busbar out you need a little hook as when the busbar is in place its not always possible to get a screwdriver or other thin long tool to reach the little hole on the back to pull the clip down releasing the mcb/rcbo from the din rail to then lift off the busbar. the plastic cover over the busbar can reduce the angle to make it hard to reach the clip. i have a old knitting needle that i use as it lets me go in turn it and then hook the clip from behind to pull it down. serves me well. this picture sort of explains it. also it can depend on whether you have the metal clips on the back which are much stiffer or the plastic ones, the metal ones sometimes need to go back wards before going down, the plastic are normally straight down

 

[HappyHippyDad]

OK..me having a blonde moment then!
That mcb really didn't want to come out though.

So now you like them ?

 

[telectrix]

often if you slacken the terminal screw right back, there enough play to get the thing in without dropping the buzzbar. a bit tricky, like having sex without her dropping her knickers.

 

[mattg4321]

You sure it was Hager?

The newer MCB's with the plastic clips at the bottom come out extremely easily, possibly this was the older type with the metal clip which were slightly more difficult, but still far easier than say Wylex.

You can't miss the clamp with Hager MCB's as its blanked off so it's impossible to do.

 

[telectrix]

You sometimes have the little clip/clamp on the bottom rear that is stiff, to avoid taking the busbar out you need a little hook as when the busbar is in place its not always possible to get a screwdriver or other thin long tool to reach the little hole on the back to pull the clip down releasing the mcb/rcbo from the din rail to then lift off the busbar. the plastic cover over the busbar can reduce the angle to make it hard to reach the clip. i have a old knitting needle that i use as it lets me go in turn it and then hook the clip from behind to pull it down. serves me well. this picture sort of explains it. also it can depend on whether you have the metal clips on the back which are much stiffer or the plastic ones, the metal ones sometimes need to go back wards before going down, the plastic are normally straight down

View attachment 39790

hope that's a VDE knitting needle. .

 

[Gavin John Hyde]

hope that's a VDE knitting needle. .

I self certified it as vde by wrapping it in green and yellow insulation tape. i should start flogging them on t'internet

 

[Deleted member 9648]

Was Hager with the plastic clip....I'll try a bit harder next time! Was the end of the day on a Friday, and the board was in a really awkward cupboard.
That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it. (Still rate starbreaker as the best I've used)