Increase mcb capacity. Notifiable?

[camerabloke]

Hazard a guess between the break. Although it could just be a loose connection if he puts some time into testing

 

[telectrix]

be more concerned with 411.3.3, although 522.6.101 is relevant. have you determined whether it's a damaged RFC or 2 separate radials? whatever the case, the most important measure is to comply with Ib<In<Iz

 

[Plonker 3]

Thanks.

So if I reinstate the ring then I can upgrade the MCB to 32amp and just issue a MWS. If the circuit requires new wiring which can't fulfil all the conditions of 522.6.101 then Ill insist it requires some form of RCD protection.

The CCC of the cable must be able to carry the current of the OCPD, only testing and calculations can tell you this.

 

[spynage]

Hazard a guess between the break. Although it could just be a loose connection if he puts some time into testing

I did say that. The circumstances were I was rushing, I didn't charge her anything and made a suggestion on the spot that should upgrade the 6 way 3036 board for a 17th edition if new wiring was required in the kitchen.
As it had been purposely de-rated to 20amp I assumed someone in the past couldn't reconcile the ring by making a simple re-connection.
I haven't quoted her yet. Worst case scenario is still a new board IMO. I'll quote her for reconnecting the circuit and upgrading the MCB if it's permissible. I would of thought that would require more than a MWS?

I know I need to test the circuit if I'm adding a larger OCPD

 

[Octopus]

FFS test the circuit THOROUGHLY and once you've done that only YOU will know what is feasible. You need to test the circuit to find the fault!

Do you have test equipment?

 

[camerabloke]

What he said ^^^^

 

[Plonker 3]

..........

 

[Meggerman]

Went to a house yesterday where the customer was complaining of a tripping fuse on the kitchen circuit.

Got there and found the kitchen wired to a 20amp plug in MCB. The kitchen was not on a ring despite 2 wires being present in the board.

I confirmed a break in the circuit but didn't resolve wether it was a disconnected wire or a break somewhere. I was in a hurry I have to admit and made the assumption that someone with some insight deliberately derated the circuit to account for there being an irreconcilable break so I ruled out a loose wire.

I advised that she would require a new fuse board if I was to make good the wiring in the kitchen. Afterwoods however I wondered if perhaps there was a loose connection.

If so and I repaired this could I upgrade the capacity of the MCB to 32amp under current regs?

cheers.

Were all r1, rn and r2 all broken? Maybe it would be suitable to separate into two 20A radials to increase capacity depending where loading is. It is always a good idea to add RCD protection to socket outlets when opportunity arises. I agree RCD add ons is untidy. Do it right with a new CU. I talk them round and upgrade 3036 / 1361 boards whenever I see them in houses.

 

[davek]

Just too fuel the fire but also trying to help my fathers old house has a problem blowing Fuses now I went round check it out. My father said it blows after 5-10 min with nothing running. On investigation it was the cable under the floor wher it entered up the wall was being crushed by the chipboard flooring as his washer was leaking at the back causing it to swell plus damp further more a jb inder the floor had melted (which went first). Taking that it will be an old wylex box may be something similar. so a kind cowboy riding through though down rate it

 

[Plonker 3]

The thing is, the OP is more interested in fitting a new DB rather finding either the fault or clamping the circuit and seeing what it is actually pulling.

 

[GMES]

The thing is, the OP is more interested in fitting a new DB rather finding either the fault or clamping the circuit and seeing what it is actually pulling.

No offence meant to the op here but if he did a short course, then he probably doesn't even know what a clamp is, they don't show them.
Not saying he is a short course guy.

 

[topquark]

BS951 clamp? :54:

 

[spynage]

Were all r1, rn and r2 all broken? Maybe it would be suitable to separate into two 20A radials to increase capacity depending where loading is. It is always a good idea to add RCD protection to socket outlets when opportunity arises. I agree RCD add ons is untidy. Do it right with a new CU. I talk them round and upgrade 3036 / 1361 boards whenever I see them in houses.

Thanks. That's my thinking exactly, particuarly as the customer indicated that the rest of the electrics were in disaray. Just R1 actually
I said I was in a hurry and didnt have time to fully test the circuit.

It was the precence of the 20amp MCB that made me assume it hsf been fitted as a last resort. There was 2 wires in the fuse clamp.

I still dont know wether changing the type of circuit arrangment and increasing the circuit breaker cspacity is notifiable? Is there a reg that could help me in this respect? How much of a circuit amendment does it constitute?

 

[spynage]

The thing is, the OP is more interested in fitting a new DB rather finding either the fault or clamping the circuit and seeing what it is actually pulling.

Can I just point out your willfully ignoring the point of my post. I only want to know if increasing the MCB capacity is notifiable and only because I want to do the best by my customer for her to spend as little money as possible to rectify the problem. If I only wantef to change CU's day in day out I wouldn't come on here seeking enlightenment.

 

[trev]

So you have a "potential RFC" with only the r1 broken? and you're asking what the way forward is?

It needs to be sorted mate before you think about uprating a breaker. You have continuity on the other cables. That's a massive clue.