Hi, I'm having problems with 2 x 500w floodlights . They are wired in parallel and operated from a single (10A rated) fixed switch (ie not via PIRs). They are on a newly installed circuit on their own on an SP Type B 6kA (wylex NSB06) MCB. When I operate the floodlights via the switch, it trips the MCB. If I put the switch in the on position and reset the MCB they stay on. I can then use the normal switch to switch them on and off, but only for about 5 minutes when it then reverts to tripping the MCB.
The problem appears to be the startup load due to arcing across the switch. Any ideas as to how I can safely resolve the problem.
Do I need to change to a type C MCB which I believe withstand up to 1.4 times rated current for up to 0.5 seconds Is it safe to do this Are they interchangeable with and able to coexist with type B MCBs
Other alternatives may be
1) Change the bulbs to 2 x 300w (don't ideally want to do)
2) Increase the MCB size to 10A - however I am concerned about the safety aspect here (1mm2 cable)
Any ideas?
Cheers
Keith
The problem appears to be the startup load due to arcing across the switch. Any ideas as to how I can safely resolve the problem.
Do I need to change to a type C MCB which I believe withstand up to 1.4 times rated current for up to 0.5 seconds Is it safe to do this Are they interchangeable with and able to coexist with type B MCBs
Other alternatives may be
1) Change the bulbs to 2 x 300w (don't ideally want to do)
2) Increase the MCB size to 10A - however I am concerned about the safety aspect here (1mm2 cable)
Any ideas?
Cheers
Keith