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]

"UK regulator", that's a new one on me care to expand?

 

[LastManOnline]

"UK regulator", that's a new one on me care to expand?

Apologies if my terminology is, nt correct. But I, m referring to whoever it is in the UK that "regulates" the manner which CU, s may or may not be used

 

[westward10]

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?.

Maybe my term is selective but the Regulation cites consumer units, distribution boards, incorporated devices and components shall only be those declared suitable according to the assembly manufacturers instructions or literature.
Whether the busbar is compatible with another manufacturers product is largely irrelevant unless you can prove and document otherwise or if the manufacturer deems it suitable.

 

[LastManOnline]

Maybe my term is selective but the Regulation cites consumer units, distribution boards, incorporated devices and components shall only be those declared suitable according to the assembly manufacturers instructions or literature.
Whether the busbar is compatible with another manufacturers product is largely irrelevant unless you can prove and document otherwise or if the manufacturer deems it suitable.

"shall only be declared suitable according to... manufacturers instruction". Well as already stated, we can, t argue with that, can we? Even though we have already established it does, nt stand up to scrutiny. It, s not the first nor will it be the last piece of "regulation" that must be applied through "gritted teeth"

 

[pc1966]

What is needed is a standard busbar & fixing height.

Just put a tax on non-standard busbar use and watch the manufacturers fall over themselves to agree on a standard!

 

[westward10]

I honestly don't have an issue with it and has been a requirement for years to follow manufacturers guidance but now it is quoted in the Regulations it has become an issue when in fact it has always been an issue.

 

[Mike Johnson]

westward10 can you please point me to the "Regulation" that states that requirement, because all I can find is reference's to the COP or BS not to any legislation issued by "The Secretary of State" as a regulation.

 

[westward10]

Regulation 536.4.203.

 

[Mike Johnson]

Sorry westward10 that's a British Standard not legislation as issued by "The Secretary of State" therefore is not a regulation, but a guide line.

 

[loz2754]

Sorry westward10 that's a British Standard not legislation as issued by "The Secretary of State" therefore is not a regulation, but a guide line.

A guide which, if followed, is seen as complying with statutory regulations.

Adopting this view of the wiring regulations, in my view, helps one to avoid the temptation to decide for ourselves which particular regulations in BS7671 we choose to follow or not.

 

[Mike Johnson]

A guide which, if followed, is seen as complying with statutory regulations.

Adopting this view of the wiring regulations, in my view, helps one to avoid the temptation to decide for ourselves which particular regulations in BS7671 we choose to follow or not.

Quite so, but there is no reason to blindly follow those guide lines and not improve on them.

There aren't any Regulations in BS7671 to follow, it is not a "Statutory Instrument" this is where the confusion originates, BS7671 is not the Regulations for Electrical installations.

British Standards are written by mostly interested parties including manufacturer's who have a vested interest in how they are worded, following any British Standard is voluntary not mandatory.

 

[loz2754]

 

[Mike Johnson]

BS7671 is not the Regulations for Electrical installations.

following any British Standard is voluntary not mandatory.

 

[loz2754]

It says Regulations in the picture

 

[loz2754]

Another one , page 13.
Highlighted in yellow.

I have never said it is a statutory instrument, but if followed, is likely to comply with the statutory regulations.