Obsolete MCCB panel board

atm84 · Jul 4, 2015

A new extension requires a new TPN mcb dis board and I was looking at serving it from the existing MCCB panel board but breakers for it are obsolete and there aren't any breakers that can be retrofitted into the board.

Who would:
1) suggest the whole MCCB panel board is upgraded and serve the extension DB from the new panel board

Or

2) split the tails after the meter and fit some Lucy blocks; serve a new switch fuse unit and serve the extension DB from the switch fuse. And keep the existing MCCB panel board well alone.

Your thoughts would be much appreciated?

atm84 · Jul 7, 2015

shanky887614 said:
do you recommend a new fb/breakers every 10-15 years then?

its the same thing,

I was referring to circuit breakers that you don't know where they have been the last 10 -15 years. They could have been exposed to extreme temps. I agree it's a fine line and a number of factors must be considered namely cost but when in doubt I would always suggest to renew.

atm84 · Jul 7, 2015

darkwood said:
Their are companies out there that sell reconditioned equipment like panel gear MCCB's, they come with a guarantee too.. I have used these in the past but forgot who the company was - the old gear although obsolete is very robust, well made and reliable. I would be looking own this aisle of thought before writing it off as obsolete or trying expensive ways to retrofit what exists with new circuits etc.

Might have been these ..http://www.ec-services.co.uk/circuitbreakers.php

No wholesaler is going to promote a company that may lose them a sale of new gear

I've considered this route but still can't get hold of the mccb that I need and also they usually only offer 12 months warranty. I would need the manufacturers equivalent which is usually three years.

Darkwood · Jul 7, 2015

atm84 said:
I've considered this route but still can't get hold of the mccb that I need and also they usually only offer 12 months warranty. I would need the manufacturers equivalent which is usually three years.

I got 3yrs with mine and most mccb's can be sourced through one of these types of company - I would look into the waranty lengths again you may be surprised by some of these companies.