circuit breaker

marliz · 20 Jul 2005

After reading about MCB\\\'s on forum could someone please let me know if the following is an MCB or a \\\'more or less de facto standard for old CU\\\'s\\\'. My electrician wants to alter our boards, but I want to understand what he is doing BEFORE he begins, not after he has been paid. Any help would be greatly appreciated by someone who is always being (rude word)on by workmen.

MK(I know the make is Sentry) LN 59116 s B 16 240V~ 6000 3 Underneath that there is a black switch - up for ON and down for OFF.

kai · 20 Jul 2005

Based on what you write, it is an MCB with a max breaking capacity of 6ka or "M6" for those older userson the site.

The B16 means a rating or "nominal setting" of 16 amps.

Type B means the fast magnetic trip will operate between 3 to 5 times nominal setting . i,e, 48amps to 80amps for short-circuit protection.

The B16 MCB is most often used to feed a household 3000 watt immersion heater, via some 2.5.sq.mm. cable, and a 13amp switch fuse-connection unit adjacent the hot water cylinder itself as a controller.

ban-all-sheds · 20 Jul 2005

marliz said:
MK(I know the make is Sentry) LN 59116 s B 16 240V~ 6000 3 Underneath that there is a black switch - up for ON and down for OFF.

As Kai says, it's an MCB.

But what of it?

'more or less de facto standard for old CU's'.

¿que?

marliz · 21 Jul 2005

Many thanks for your replies. Now I am sure it is an MCB the electrician cannot tell me I need an MCB and rip me off. Thanks again. marliz.

ban-all-sheds · 21 Jul 2005

What are you getting an electrician in to do?

marliz · 25 Jul 2005

Hi, I asked my electrician to put in some downlighter, remove some socket and retain others. Because he know there have been problems in other areas of the house he decided to rip out all cables to start afresh. But now I have had to delay plasterers, tilers and cooker delivery because he is always busy. When I asked if I could have an electric shower in a room where floorboards are already up, he said he may need to give me a complete new board (or somethin). I just dont want to be taken for a ride. Now that I know it is a fully modern consumer unit I feel in a stronger position to query his decision. He has always been fine with us, but I just dont feel as easy with the situation this time.

Adam_151 · 25 Jul 2005

Could you post a pic of your consumer unit here please

securespark · 26 Jul 2005

You may well need (or be better off with) a new board.

If your MK Sentry CU is very old, the mcb's will no longer be manufactured, and to fit new ones requires a conversion kit. Plus, if you need RCD protection (as you surely will) for rings and shower circuits etc.., and don't have it already.....

Plus, if you have an RCD but it is 63A rated, then it should be replaced with min. 80A one.

All these reasons point towards a potential CU upgrade.

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circuit breaker

kai

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