Old Consumer Unit / Plugin MCB's

[ctaylor]

I have an old style Consumer Unit which has 6 Fuses of various ratings. They Pull out from the unit with two spade connectors and you have to unscrew the two halves to reveal the Cartridge Type Fuse (same type as in 13 amp mains plugs)

Q: Does anyone make plugin type breakers to replace these ? and whats involved with the fitting?

I'm happy to put up new lights but playing too close to the consumer unit is not my idea of fun.

Thanks and sorry for the esay.

 

[ricicle]

What is the make of the consumer unit?If it is Wylex then these are still available but you must not just go changing your protective devices in your CU as the characteristics of the circuits will need checking for compliance.Although generally better operation times the cartridge fuses have better short-circuit capabilties and might have been fitted for a reason.
This work would be notifiable to your local building control under Part P of the building regs. (if you are in England or Wales)

 

[securespark]

First of all, they are NOT the same as plug top fuses.

Plug top fuses are longer & to BS1362. CU fuses are to BS1361.

I think by your description (unscrew 2 halves) that they are Wylex. In which case you can get Wylex plug-in breakers.

The part numbers are B6, B10, B16, B20, B32, B40. Fitting (if you already have wylex cartridge fuseholders fitted) is just a case of unplugging one and replacing with the other.

But Part P is a factor.

 

[panny300]

can someone explain what part of part p, replacing this type of fuse comes under,thanks

 

[Adam_151]

can someone explain what part of part p, replacing this type of fuse comes under,thanks

P1, same for all domestic electrical work

 

[CJT]

I have an old style Consumer Unit which has 6 Fuses of various ratings. They Pull out from the unit with two spade connectors and you have to unscrew the two halves to reveal the Cartridge Type Fuse (same type as in 13 amp mains plugs)

Q: Does anyone make plugin type breakers to replace these ? and whats involved with the fitting?

I'm happy to put up new lights but playing too close to the consumer unit is not my idea of fun.

Thanks and sorry for the esay.

you are better to change the complete board as then it will be split load and rcd protected on showers, sockets, garden electrics etc. the mcb's rating must be 6ka which basically means the maximum amount of current which can be handled by the mcb's before they will break apart ie shatter or explode.
cheers
colin
____________________________________
Lynda, moderator

Please note forum rule 7

 

[davy_owen_88]

The mcb's rating must be 6ka which basically means the maximum amount of current which can be handled by the mcb's before they will break apart ie shatter or explode.

Actually, that's the breaking capacity of the MCB which is the maximum current that can be safely broken during a short circuit situation. I would hope that during a short no MCB would shatter or explode...

 

[securespark]

breaking capacity = the electrical limit beyond which the CPD will shatter..

like it