Lap mcbs

[Eartheo]

The bungalow I’m in had a new Lap consumer unit fitted 7 years ago. I wanted the shower 40amp mcb upgrading so a larger shower could be fitted. An electrician told me this cannot be done as Lap was a Screwfix part and they no longer did mcbs for this and my best bet would be to change the whole consumer unit as you cannot mix mcb manufactures in a consumer panel. Is this correct or is it just over hype, as I was always led to believe that if the mcbs were to British standards it was ok.

 

[Mike Johnson]

Agreed we just have to accept the BS and COP are the minimum standards and anything we do to enhance those standards would be acceptable.

 

[Mike Johnson]

I would love to see the pages of the document/risk assessment for the fitting of a non compatible protective device.

The problem is, are they non compatible just because they are not made by the original manufacturer, if they where unacceptable then every car after market part would void an MOT and the insurance industry would have a field day.

 

[westward10]

The problem is, are they non compatible just because they are not made by the original manufacturer, if they where unacceptable then every car after market part would void an MOT and the insurance industry would have a field day.

Not sure what it has to do with motor vehicles.

 

[Mike Johnson]

Insurance, court cases and legislation.

 

[brianmoooore]

IIRC, the motor industry did try to outlaw aftermarket parts a few years ago, but were thwarted by the EU.

 

[Robson689]

The problem is, are they non compatible just because they are not made by the original manufacturer, if they where unacceptable then every car after market part would void an MOT and the insurance industry would have a field day.

A company making a part to fit another manufacturers car out of the box is a bit different to a circuit breaker being installed in an enclosure that it wasn't designed to be installed in

A mechanic wouldn't bodge the wrong parts onto your car because the right part wasn't available

 

[nicebutdim]

The problem is, are they non compatible just because they are not made by the original manufacturer, if they where unacceptable then every car after market part would void an MOT and the insurance industry would have a field day.

EU block exemption laws require that aftermarket car parts meet or exceed the manufacturer's specification. There is a long standing precedent for the manufacture, sale and fitting of aftermarket parts to vehicles and those parts are specifically intended for use in specified situations.

The car analogy would mean using a part that wasn't intended for the purpose in which it was being used. Should anything go wrong with that fitted part you would become responsible for its use and liable for any unintended consequences.

 

[Mike Johnson]

A company making a part to fit another manufacturers car out of the box is a bit different to a circuit breaker being installed in an enclosure that it wasn't designed to be installed in

A mechanic wouldn't bodge the wrong parts onto your car because the right part wasn't available

All after market parts manufactures produce parts that are generic and will fit a range of manufacturers enclosures, (car)

A mechanic would fit a generic part into any car if the owner asked for that instead of an OEM part.

 

[westward10]

All after market parts manufactures produce parts that are generic and will fit a range of manufacturers enclosures, (car)

A mechanic would fit a generic part into any car if the owner asked for that instead of an OEM part.

What has this got to do with this thread.

 

[nicebutdim]

All after market parts manufactures produce parts that are generic and will fit a range of manufacturers enclosures, (car)

A mechanic would fit a generic part into any car if the owner asked for that instead of an OEM part.

Each of those parts will have specified applications - try fitting them elsewhere and all bets are off.

Your example is fine, but requires someone to manufacture breakers that are approved for use in different boards.

 

[Mike Johnson]

Approved by whom?

 

[nicebutdim]

Approved by whom?

The have been manufactured to meet or exceed the manufacturer's specification and the manufacturer provides a warranty should anything go wrong. They are also liable should some serious consequences arise from the failure of a correctly fitted part.

I'm mot aware of any manufacturer of aftermarket breakers and no manufacturer is going to accept liability if something goes wrong when their product is used in another manufacturer's distribution board.

 

[Mike Johnson]

What has this got to do with this thread.

It is an example of how an established COP and legislation can be interpreted and altered in the courts to fit in with real life.

 

[Mike Johnson]

The have been manufactured to meet or exceed the manufacturer's specification and the manufacturer provides a warranty should anything go wrong. They are also liable should some serious consequences arise from the failure of a correctly fitted part.

I'm mot aware of any manufacturer of aftermarket breakers and no manufacturer is going to accept liability if something goes wrong when their product is used in another manufacturer's distribution board.

No manufacturer is going to admit liability no matter how or where their product is used, the only liability the manufacturer has is limited to the product in question, they will not support any consequential claims for the failure of any of their products so its all a moot point.

 

[LastManOnline]

I would love to see the pages of the document/risk assessment for the fitting of a non compatible protective device.

A "non-compatable protective device" is a little misleading. The whole issue revolves around incompatible bus bar. A B20 amp Hagar mcb is perfectly compatible with a B20mp Wylex. They are designed to do exactly the same job. However the issue is, is that the UK regulator has determined that different makes of mcb, s are now by definition incompatible with other makes without offering any other explanation than "that's how it is". So, We must accept it. That's how regulation sometimes works. However, can we really defend it?.