Help finding a MCB...

[mrp123]

As some of you may know I am fitting a new electric shower.

I am looking for a 40A MCB.

Unfortunately I can’t find one the same size. I’ve tried Screwfix, B&Q Wickes and local electrical shops...

Does it have to be the same overall size as long as the rear connection is the same?

Any help/advice appreciated.

 

[Adam_151]

Looks like an old style crabtree breaker, not sure if you can still get them, could try http://www.thefusecompany.com/ or ebay

Wylex used to use similar looking breakers and as crabtree and wylex are parts of the same company, its possible a third party alternative for the wylex ones might drop right in: http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Consumer_Units_Index/Wylex_NN_Range/index.html

I trust you are aware that you are most likely doing notifiable work?

 

[alford]

Possibly obsolete now. Try e-bay for a second hand one. I had the same problem with my old MEM consumer unit. Found some on e-bay no problem.

 

[dingbat]

You'll have a job. That's a BS 3871 circuit breaker, the standard for which became obsolete in 1991.

The only place you may have a chance is E-Bay, or possibly The Fuse Company - http://www.thefusecompany.com/

 

[mrp123]

I trust you are aware that you are most likely doing notifiable work?

This is from my Council:

PART P BUILDING NOTICE –
ELECTRICAL WORK ONLY

£246.75 For a new shower??!!

Anyone know how to get it done cheaper?

 

[JohnD]

Would an old-model Starbreaker fit?

 

[RF Lighting]

I've just been through the garage, and have 10A, 16A and 20A in that range of crabtree but nothing as big as 40A

The fuse company have one

http://www.thefusecompany.com/fuse.php?products_id=392

I think the old BS3871 MEMERA MCBs may fit, but I don't have one to try.

 

[Adam_151]

You'll have a job. That's a BS 3871 circuit breaker, the standard for which became obsolete in 1991.

While that is true, it doesn't automatically rule out the possibly of finding a new breaker for the board, of course the new breaker will be a BSEN 60898 type, the issue here is that crabtree have changed the design of the boards since the OP's was installed. I know that for example, you can have an old hager board with BS3871 breakers, and fit brand new hager BSEN 60898 breakers alongside

Mind you, it would make things easier if the standard did govern the fitting and connection...

 

[securespark]

Here:

http://www.thefusecompany.com/fuse.php?products_id=392


Edit: Oh b*gger!

Rob beat me to it! Between you & JohnD, I'm obsolete, these days!

 

[mrp123]

Cheers all.

Should have tried the net first, would have saved myself a few miles today searching different shops!