Crabtree ELCB 30 amp

SBW

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Hi,
My 40 year old Dolphin shower has developed a fault. Replacing it with a new one will be the very last option as the tiles have long since been unobtainable etc etc etc.
On examining the unit it appears that Dolphin have utilized a Crabtree 30 amp ELCB (with the yellow test button) as the power on/off switch and also as a shutdown in the event of low water pressure. At this point I will emphasise that they are not utilizing the ELCB in the conventional role of a shock prevention unit, therefore I think its use in this manner is acceptable. My problem is where can I purchase a Crabtree 30 amp ELCB? I would even contemplate a used unit.
Hoping some one can point me in the right direction.
Thank you
Barry
 
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What is wrong with the old one
You are aware you need to push in the blue button before you can reset it
 
Is it a voltage operated ELCB or a current operated ELCB?

I understand that voltage operated ones went out of use along time ago and if you still have one it should really be replaced as they are often deemed to be unsafe - especially on a shower. If your shower is 40 years old then it could well be a voltage operated ELCB.

If it's a current operated ELCB and it works in a similar way to a RCD (ie detecting a earth leakage current opposed to detecting an inbalance in the phase/neutral current) then it may be you have a fault on your shower or maybe even the wiring. I think i'm right in saying that often 'watery appliances' cause earth leakage the older they get and if it's 40 years old then this could be the problem.
 
From what I understand if the ELCB is being used as an appliance isolator, why not just replace it with a shower isolator switch?
It is strongly recommeded to have the shower protected by an RCD, if the old shower is kaput then the most viable option will be to have it replaced.
 
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tell us all the words and numbers on the old one, and post a pic, and who knows?
 
Hi thanks for all your speedy replies.

333rocky333
One of the terminals on the input of the ELCB is very charred so if I could purchase a replacement I could do a one to one substitution.

bongos
The Crabtree 30 amp in question is voltage operated, however I must stress that its function is not one of safety but to protect the heater element in the case of water supply failure.

Spark123
If all else fails I will use a shower isolator switch. The reason for not wanting to replace the shower is not a financial one, my wife really likes the old tiled décor, the damage incurred in replacing the shower will be unacceptable.

JohnD
Unfortunately the only data on the voltage operated ELCB is “Crabtree 30 amp” however if you or anyone on the forum can explain to me how to post a picture I will get one on pronto.

Many thanks for all your help so far.
Barry
 
//www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=99672

does it look anything like
eef3_1.JPG
 
After 40 years
I would say a brown C50 one two module size
They are current operated rcd
And also combined 30 a mcb
With a switch with the current rating in white on the toggle
And a test button and a reset button on front
 
DSC00051.jpg

Crabtree Voltage operated ELCB 30 amp
Hi JohnD and 333Ricky333
Ihope this works ok,as you can see the input (neutral) is rather charred thanks for staying the pace
 
Personally I dont think you will ever get the same, I have never seen a crabtree one like that , and I do a lot of old buildings , can you get a modern equivalent, of something else that does the job and fits.
Is it in a control box or something, surely not inside the shower.
 
Hi, 333Rocky333
I am giving my age away here, but in the 60’s and 70’s every army unit whether mobile or static used a great number of these voltage operated ELCB devices. Also universities and tech colleges were fitted with an abundance of them. Millions must have been manufactured, then all of a sudden, maybe in the early eighties they were replaced with the current operated devices (RCD’s). I wish I was too young not to remember them.
Yes they are fitted inside the shower (is this a modern no-no?)
This episode is starting to bring back memories of the local handy man coupling 12 volt accumulators in series then plugging them directly into the DC mains!! The charge rate was altered by adding or subtracting an accumulator - Happy days!
Many thanks for your input

davedasave
Yes that’s exactly the job, will contact you via email

Also to all of the above thank you
Barry
 
They were removed from the regs in the early 80s as parallel paths to earth can make them useless. Since then only the current operated type of ELCB (now called an RCD) is recognised by the regs.
 
Hi spark123
Thanks for the explanation I often wondered why they were replaced, one minute they were black, the next minute grey!
Thanks
Barry

davedasave
Please could you check out your "friends" folder so I can email you?
Cheers
Barry
 

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