Question: How do you tell if a Fake Breaker.

[AngelLaHash]

Was doing some testing and writing up what breaker types on the form and I couldn't find the EN number (sort of had a alarm bells about this, as under the impression that if you have a EN standard you would display it)
Just tried to Google the breaker to find one that wasn't incased in a board and found one on eBay but no EN markings as far as I noticed

Now I notice on this one there is a space at the bottom that Some Times has test.
But I figured if you where a maker , making to a standard you would display it proudly like a badge of honor

 

[littlespark]

The brand on the picture is GEC General Electric Company…. Been around since the invention of the light bulb.

I’ve maybe only seen a handful of breakers made by them, so not a common thing.
I’m sure the design of the toggle switch is used on someone else’s breakers… so either GEC were bought over and used their design or GEC bought someone else.

The EN will be BS EN 60898 like any other mcb.

 

[Teddy Lop]

The brand on the picture is GEC General Electric Company…. Been around since the invention of the light bulb.

I’ve maybe only seen a handful of breakers made by them, so not a common thing.
I’m sure the design of the toggle switch is used on someone else’s breakers… so either GEC were bought over and used their design or GEC bought someone else.

The EN will be BS EN 60898 like any other mcb.

I think the point is without the EN number displayed it isn't a valid part, and most likely a snide. You can't just assume when you fill out a cert.

Good observation OP, bet it's one we could all easily overlook, especially with the current race to the bottom of manufacturers changing their subcontractors every couple of years resulting in disjointed looking carbuncle CUs. If you get the chance it'd be interesting to smash one open and see what's inside, given in the past snides have been found with nothing more than a switch mechanism and no overload/SC parts...

So, what would you code it?

 

[littlespark]

I would reckon fakes can simply print their own numbers on the side. It can’t be a sign that no numbers = fake.

GEC is a valid manufacturer…. And due to age, there was maybe a time there wasn’t a requirement to print the en number on the device itself, but have it on the box maybe.

 

[Teddy Lop]

I would reckon fakes can simply print their own numbers on the side. It can’t be a sign that no numbers = fake.

GEC is a valid manufacturer…. And due to age, there was maybe a time there wasn’t a requirement to print the en number on the device itself, but have it on the box maybe.

Not printing the en number might well absolve the retailer of claiming the part confirms to a certain standard, should a court of law point a finger. What's your defence?

Also, no one is claiming GEC is not legit; that is so far from what this thread is about I'm really not sure you're following. BTW one of pictured breakers is marked 60947 so your "simple to assume 60898" would be mistaken regardless of where some of them were sourced.

 

[UNG]

A google of "GE EP61" and a quick look at a few of the results would suggest that the OP's breakers may be dodgy as all the pictures I have viewed clearly have the BS60898 markings although th OP's pictures are switched on so difficult to see if there is any details behind the toggle

 

[littlespark]

There is no way of knowing really... whatever numbers are printed on the device or not. You could say that for every circuit breaker you come across.
At least RCBO's can be tested by the proper equipment.

A fake is a fake. Unless there is a tell tale sign that its low quality, you would have to stress test it to see if it tripped or not... A nice live to neutral short circuit should do it....

Of course, the device you're testing this way would now be damaged beyond use.



Circuit brekers have had various Bs En numbers over the years, but these din rail mounted, same sized module type are predominantly 60898 for domestic purposes

60947, although may come in the same physically sized module.... are usually for industrial.

OP doesnt say where the installation is or the purposes of the breakers.

 

[westward10]

Possibly part of a triple pole device which has been dismantled but the markings don't really tally with one as the details are normally on one part but is possible.

 

[Avo Mk8]

But I figured if you where a maker , making to a standard you would display it proudly like a badge of honor

The way it worked for the standards I was involved with is that the labelling - what had to be marked on the product - was specified in the product standard. I no longer have access to copies, so unfortunately I can't say.
The process requires that there be a document, a declaration of conformity (blah blah), that must list the exact standards the product has been designed, made and tested to, so that's what to check! . Suppliers are obligated to provide a copy when asked (in theory), many have them on their websites.

Could you provide a pic of the front of your breaker with the switch flicked down please? There should be a product code number on there, even if not the IEC standard.

 

[AngelLaHash]

Been trying this all day , just woke kept taking me away .. just because they pay me they think they have the right to my time.

Looking more at it, I didn't notice the 60947
But looking at the top of the break the bit that sticks out there is some text unable to see in any think with dust all over it

 

[Avo Mk8]

That VDE approval mark wouldn't surely be found on a 'fake' product. I don't think any manufacturer would risk being taken down by VDE, whereas they would be happy to churn out 'copies' with a CE or whatever mark
So it is a genuine EN60898 device.