MCB - 3 pole/2 pole

[BillyMac]

Help ... I'm confused (again!!)

"2 gang" I can understand
"2 way" I can understand

"2 pole" I thought I understood.

But now in trying to buy a 10a MCB for my consumer unit I got quoted £55, on querying the cost I'm told I can have a single pole one for £8.

The actual quote was Sorry your enquiry did not specify how many poles were required, i assumed as main switch board 3 pole unit may be required.

Now I'm worried about what I need.

Any explanation would be much appreciated.

(And yes, I do intend to get a sparkie to actually do the substitution of the MCB for me)
Ta

 

[plugwash]

3 pole mcbs are for 3 phase cuircuits from 3 phase distribution boards which are something that diyers should amost certainly steer well clear of

btw the brand of the CU and the brand of the mcb

 

[BillyMac]

MCB: G.E. mcb THQL3410 3pole 10amp

CU: GE Allenwest EL63/2R

It's old (Earth Leakage circuit breaker, 100ma MCB, not split)

Need to get the whole thing replaced but just waiting til I do that room

 

[ban-all-sheds]

MCBs are single pole - that's all you need.

10A main switch? They're having a laugh...

 

[securespark]

10A is the mcb, Ban mate.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Apologies - I misread Billymac's quote - I thought he was reporting that his supplier had said Sorry your enquiry did not specify how many poles were required, i assumed as main switch 3 pole unit may be required.

 

[Lectrician]

It's old (Earth Leakage circuit breaker, 100ma MCB, not split)

Even more confusing

 

[BillyMac]

Ok .. I'm sorry I typed too fast...

I meant to say its actually 300ma RCD, not MCB

Didn't mean to confuse you all when you've been so helpful