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.

 

[andyb]

Leaving aside the quality of Lap products, if you can't buy a Lap mcb then a stand alone switch fuse would be a way forward if there's room. Of course usual caveats apply, suitability of supply, earth, bonding, room etc etc.

 

[telectrix]

what's the rating of the new shower, and what size cable is installed?

 

[Eartheo]

what's the rating of the new shower, and what size cable is installed?

Cable is 10mm and I was considering a 10Kw

 

[telectrix]

here is an option:

2 Lap Circuit Breakers | eBay

<p>2 Lap Circuit Breakers. Condition is "Used". </p><br><p>Please see all photos </p><br><br><br><p>Dispatched with Royal Mail 2nd Class.</p>

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[brianmoooore]

Even if a new MCB is no longer available, there is the existence of certain on line auction sites, who can probably come up with a used or NOS replacement.

Edit: Beaten to it by telectrix!

 

[Eartheo]

here is an option:

2 Lap Circuit Breakers | eBay

<p>2 Lap Circuit Breakers. Condition is "Used". </p><br><p>Please see all photos </p><br><br><br><p>Dispatched with Royal Mail 2nd Class.</p>

www.ebay.co.uk

Thanks I will look at that

 

[Eartheo]

Even if a new MCB is no longer available, there is the existence of certain on line auction sites, who can probably come up with a used or NOS replacement.

Edit: Beaten to it by telectrix!

Thanks

 

[Lucien Nunes]

I was always led to believe that if the mcbs were to British standards it was ok

Some aspects of MCB design are defined in the standards to ensure that different brands have the same electrical characteristics. But others, such as the positioning of the busbar in the terminal, are outside the standards and not guaranteed compatible. There is also an issue in that the overall type-approval for the performance of the CU is tested on behalf of each manufacturer's products alone. A mix'n;match would not have been tested and therefore does not carry the type approval even though the separate parts meet the specification.

 

[telectrix]

Thanks I will look at that

it'syour cheapest option.

 

[MJPD29]

That is correct you cannot mix and match mcbs. A standalone 1 way board with rcd would be sufficient, however if u had a LAP consumer unit in my house I'd certainly be looking to change it ASAP. Their mcbs, rcbos and boards are probably the worst I ever came across.

 

[freddo]

LAP appear to be rebranded Havells MCBs, which are also no longer made.

 

[brianmoooore]

Their mcbs, rcbos and boards are probably the worst I ever came across.

You're obviously too young to remember Centaur, the original CEF own brand.

 

[stevethesparks]

Personally I wouldn't purchase mcb's/rcbo's from eBay, only a reputable supplier

 

[andyb]

Personally I wouldn't purchase mcb's/rcbo's from eBay, only a reputable supplier

I agree with this, why would you just to save your client a few bob. Should there be anything wrong with it and someone gets hurt or there's a fire you won't have a leg to stand on.