6kA and 10kA breakers

[Daphne27]

I have two different types of mcb in the fusebox of the flat i just moved into, most of them are the 6kA, but a couple are 10kA type. What's the diff please and is it ok to have a pick n' mix in the box? Maybe it's no big deal, I hope not, was just curious why two of the same rating looked different..

 

[Daphne27]

Also, does my landlord have to have a safety certificate? Thank you

 

[ban-all-sheds]

The rating is the amount of current they can break - e.g. if a short circuit produces a huge current flow a circuit breaker might not be able to safely open and cut it off.

6kA is fine, it doesn't matter if it's rated higher.

As for mix'n'match, are they all the same make and series? That rating is the only difference?

 

[JohnD]

OOI, is it a MEM unit?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Why?

 

[JohnD]

I might tell you depending on his answer.

 

[Daphne27]

I might tell you depending on his answer.

I might tell you depending on what OOI MEM means, I have no idea

And her answer [/i]

 

[Daphne27]

The rating is the amount of current they can break - e.g. if a short circuit produces a huge current flow a circuit breaker might not be able to safely open and cut it off.

6kA is fine, it doesn't matter if it's rated higher.

As for mix'n'match, are they all the same make and series? That rating is the only difference?

They're all the same make, they all have the same BS number on, they look a bit different but the only difference I can see in what's written on them is that one has a little 6000 and the other a little 10000. Does that answer your question?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Yes thanks.

So, Out Of Interest, is the make MEM?

 

[Daphne27]

ah, i see. Nope everything says 'Hager' on it.

Thanks for clearing that up

 

[JohnD]

MEM was, long long ago, short for Midlands Electrical Manufacturing (company)

The domestic MCBs have a lower breaking capacity than the industrial ones, which are very widely used and fit in the domestic enclosures, so electricians that do industrial work often have spare ones on the van.

p.s.

And her answer

you're telling me Daphne is a woman's name?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Yes, and she was born in 1927.

 

[kai]

In a domestic setting, where the consumer unit is fed downstream off a 100 amp mains fuse (or maybe less) (See the big black or grey box just before the meter with a seal on it), with an adequate breaking capacity, the 6ka breakers will suffice, as the mains fuse will offer adequate breaking capacity - A BS88 mains fuse has a max breaking capacity of 80kA.

 

[PrinceofDarkness]

Our Daphne seems very observant for a lady tenant. I wonder how many other tenants would bother to read the small print on each MCB?.......

"One has a little 6000 and the other a little 10000" indeed!

'Daphne' also asked whether her landlord needs a "Safety Certificate".

I begin to think that there's less to Daphne than meets the eye.......



Lucia.

 

[mikhailfaradayski]

Maybe its Daphne from Scooby-Doo?


IIRC, she was quite a smart cookie aswell (and way better looking than the other bird)