MCB types.

[NotJustin]

Hi all

I have a consumer unit for my peak supply and a one for my off peak. The MCB's are different, the peak has MCBs with a terminal to the back of the MCB into the fixed busbar and the off peak box has a floating busbar underneath the MCBs, so the MCBs are different in both. I don't understand why they are different, or what the difference is called, they are all type B MCBs, I'm sure of that.

I need another one for my off peak box but I don't know what to order for the variation.

Thanks for any ideas, Justin

[ProDave]

Just different makes, or even the same make but a different type.  Your peak CU is a plug in type, probably Crabtree they were the most popular of the plug in ones for a while. The off peak is a more "normal" type.

 

It's a shame the form factor of MCB's is not more standardises.

 

Neither is right or wrong, just different,  Post a picture of the type you are looking for.

 

Typical plug in type  https://www.screwfix.com/p/crabtree-starbreaker-16a-sp-type-b-mcb/98018

 

Typical normal one of the same make https://www.screwfix.com/p/crabtree-loadstar-16a-sp-type-b-mcb/189jt

[Carrerahill]

Photo please, make and manufacturer, type B, C... has no impact on the physical shape and size just the breaking characteristics.

 

Could it be that the manufacturer has altered the styles and you have an earlier and later one.

 

Wylex changed theirs a year or so ago and the old ones will fit the new, but the new not the old, but the old boards are no longer sold so shouldn't be a big issue. Things like that. 

[NotJustin]

14 minutes ago, ProDave said:

Just different makes, or even the same make but a different type.  Your peak CU is a plug in type, probably Crabtree they were the most popular of the plug in ones for a while. The off peak is a more "normal" type.

 

It's a shame the form factor of MCB's is not more standardises.

 

Neither is right or wrong, just different,  Post a picture of the type you are looking for.

 

Yes, the main box is a Crabtree. The pictured MCB is a Hager from the off peak box. I need a 50a one. The Crabtree was here when we arrived and the off peak box added a couple of years ago.

Edited December 16, 2021 by NotJustin

[Onoff]

You need a 50A Hager mcb? Probably <£5 on Amazon etc. 

 

 

MTN 1** B**"? Is this what the rest are.

 

Where in the case of a 50A, ** = 50.

[NotJustin]

This is probably what I need? https://www.toolstation.com/protek-single-pole-mcb-10ka-type-b/p38965

Edited December 16, 2021 by NotJustin

[ProDave]

4 minutes ago, NotJustin said:

This is probably what in need? https://www.toolstation.com/protek-single-pole-mcb-10ka-type-b/p38965

NO NO NO  It MUST be the same make.  that one will probably not fit

 

Screweys and TS don't stock Hager.

 

Here is one https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/124928773232?hash=item1d1655cc70%3Ag%3Aa3EAAOSwzCBhVwwK&LH_ItemCondition=1000

[Onoff]

Do you have an electrical wholesaler near you? Won't get Hager in SF or TS.

 

For example:

 

https://www.cef.co.uk/catalogue/products/42519-50a-sp-6ka-type-b-mcb?

[Onoff]

Probably a fiver on top for delivery:

 

https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/HGMT150.html?

[NotJustin]

19 minutes ago, ProDave said:

NO NO NO  It MUST be the same make.  that one will probably not fit

 

Screweys and TS don't stock Hager.

 

Here is one https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/124928773232?hash=item1d1655cc70%3Ag%3Aa3EAAOSwzCBhVwwK&LH_ItemCondition=1000

 

Brilliant, thank you

[NotJustin]

Ah, had another look at the board and they are MK make! The Hager was floating about ontop of the box.

[NotJustin]

[Onoff]

I'll go look at what I've got lying around in the shed/garage in a mo. 

 

For hard to get, older MCBs etc I've used this lot before:

 

https://www.reconelectrical.co.uk/reconditioned-circuit-breakers.html

[ProDave]

Here you go  https://www.toolstation.com/mk-mcb/p21565

 

Edit:  One of the reasons I HATE MK, old ones and new ones look completely different.  That's why I like Hager so much, they just stick to a design and a new mcb in an old board still matches.

 

P.S Thats a bitsa consumer unit, that is not an MK main switch.

[NotJustin]

12 minutes ago, ProDave said:

Here you go  https://www.toolstation.com/mk-mcb/p21565

 

Edit:  One of the reasons I HATE MK, old ones and new ones look completely different.  That's why I like Hager so much, they just stick to a design and a new mcb in an old board still matches.

 

P.S Thats a bitsa consumer unit, that is not an MK main switch.

 

Yes, the one at Toolstation is out of stock, proably now the old one. Screwfix have one, different design:
https://www.screwfix.com/p/mk-sentry-50a-sp-type-b-mcb/954kp

 

I think the Hager would fit, that's why the electrician left it.

 

So all ages of MK would fit?

 

I'm really thinking of getting a new off peak board as this one is too small anyway, need to add three more slots.

 

Edited December 16, 2021 by NotJustin