MCB compatability for this board

[ringer]

I need to uprate one of the breakers in this board...


is there some kind of compatability list anywhere regarding what breakers will fit in what board?
And specifically in this board

 

[vernam616]

BS 7671 puts specific responsibility on the installer; regulation 510.33 requires that the installer takes into account the
manufacturer's instructions.
It is, therefore, the responsibility of the installer who intends to mix different manufacturers' devices/ components in an
assembly, to undertake appropriate testing and ensure conformity with BS EN 60439. If this is not done then there is a
probability that, in the event of death, injury, fire or other damage, the installer would be accountable under Health and
Safety legislation.
Although devices may appear similar; the dimensions, technical performance and terminations are not necessarily
compatible.

 

[SPARTYKUS]

vernam616

Thanks.

I think one must tread carefully with this one; I like the "judgement call" bit.

 

[Engineer54]

Point one..... The chances are that any of the MCBs that fit this CU, will be made in the same factory (wherever that maybe) even if it does have a different manufacturers name on them.

Apart from that which i have previously posted above. If the MCBs in question are identical then they have obviously been made by the same actual manufacturer, or have a license to produce the same MCB. All such MCBs will also have a BS/EN type number, in which all MCBs of the same type and rating will have undergone strict type testing and will have met all the requirements of that type testing. So apart from any manufacturers recalls, of a known manufacturing fault, where is there going to be any significant differences in operating terms?? I think this has far more to do with the named manufacturer safeguarding his trading name, than anything else!!!

 

[Deleted member 26818]

TECHNICAL BULLETIN
SAFE SELECTION OF DEVICES FOR INSTALLATION IN ASSEMBLIES
AUGUST 2011
PAGE 1 OF 1
THE ASSOCIATION FOR THE BRITISH ELECTROTECHNICAL INDUSTRY
BEAMA is warning against the practice of installing devices (e.g. RCBOs, MCBs) of one manufacturer into assemblies1
(e.g. Consumer Units, Distribution Boards) of another manufacturer.
There is evidence that some installers are mixing products, often without fully understanding the potential safety
implications.
Assemblies such as consumer units, distribution boards and panelboards are tested with specific devices installed; these
devices are more often than not from the same manufacturer as the enclosure. Testing and certification is undertaken
to BS EN 604392; formerly BS 5486. Although BS 5486 is now obsolete there are many existing installations with
assemblies complying with this standard and the issues of mixing different manufacturers devices equally apply,
particularly where older devices may be difficult to source.
In all cases installing devices other than those declared by the assembly manufacturer invalidates any
testing/certification and warranty.
BS 7671 puts specific responsibility on the installer; regulation 510.33 requires that the installer takes into account the
manufacturer's instructions.
It is, therefore, the responsibility of the installer who intends to mix different manufacturers' devices/ components in an
assembly, to undertake appropriate testing and ensure conformity with BS EN 60439. If this is not done then there is a
probability that, in the event of death, injury, fire or other damage, the installer would be accountable under Health and
Safety legislation.
Although devices may appear similar; the dimensions, technical performance and terminations are not necessarily
compatible.
Distributor and wholesaler responsibilities
A distributor or wholesaler also has a responsibility under the General Product Safety Regulations to act "with due care".
Distributors and wholesalers should be able to substantiate any advice related to interchangeability of devices in
assemblies. If the installer acts on a distributor's advice and information and in doing so produces a non-compliant
assembly then both the distributor and installer may be liable for any consequences.
1 An assembly in this article is an enclosure and its associated mechanical and electrical components. (Enclosure,
busbars, electrical devices etc)
2 BS EN 60439 series is in the process of being replaced by BS EN 61439 series.
3 BS 7671 including amendment 1 (previously 510.2).

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Thanks.
Hardley Davidson, made up out of odds and sods.

 

[Engineer54]

Spin,

That is basically saying that the BS type testing isn't worth the paper it's written on!! As i stated above, most of the MCBs today are from around half a dozen manufacturers with just the printed trading name changed. I'm not talking about mixing MCB of previous BS types with current types.

I wonder if any prosecutions (if any) relating to the same MCBs/RCBOs but with different trade names, have ever been successful?? But i can see that with the above bulletin hanging over electricians heads, why they are reluctant to used different labelled MCBs etc!!!

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Nice to see you know your bikes

Shame about electrics !

I bet you're dreading Monday, first day back at School, still don't worry, only a few more years to go then you can trot off down the Job Centre and get some real money.