MCB cross reference list / chart ?

[SJD]

Does anyone know of a list or chart cross-referencing compatible makes of circuit breakers?

For example, I have some BG and Contactum MCBs that appear identical, apart from the markings, and I'm assuming they can be interchanged (I hope this is not a rash assumption).

 

[Luke1989]

Wholesalers are the best place to ask
(not good practice though)

 

[Octopus]

As above, mix and matching MCB's and RCBO's should only be done as a last resort.

 

[SJD]

I realise it is generally not good practice, but my BG / Contactum example, as far as I can tell it is exactly the same part with just different markings, so there should be no mechanical compatibility issues like a busbar not fitting properly, etc.

Sometimes I've had to buy second hand MCBs e.g. off eBay, as the only way of getting hold of one, with some reluctance as the quality is not guaranteed. Is this preferable to fitting a mechanically-identical new one?

 

[Luke1989]

Fitting a mechanically identical new one in my opinion is better than a second hand one but nothing beats a completely identical one

 

[SJD]

Fitting a mechanically identical new one in my opinion is better than a second hand one but nothing beats a completely identical one

Yes, I fully agree.

I did come across a US chart that lists about 12 types of board, and for each lists several compatible breakers (typically 3 or 4 type of breaker per board). Not much use for the UK, which is why I asked my original post.

From time to time someone asks on here about some old/obscure breaker, and sometimes eventually someone will post that brand X is compatible.

 

[Octopus]

For older stuff I use Obsolete Supplies, you can email or text a photo for clarity.

 

[kingeri]

That's the thing these days, different brands all being under one umbrella company, you often end up with identical parts being sold under different names. I can't see an issue with interchanging these, at the end of the day how could it be argued that this is in any way unsafe? I do however hate to see boards that have all kinds of mix and match breakers wedged in next to each other, except for looking crap, the parts are not designed to work together. Had one the other week where the breakers in no way lined up, so the bright spark had cut the CU cover just to be able to get it back on. Total bodge.

 

[Octopus]

That's the thing these days, different brands all being under one umbrella company, you often end up with identical parts being sold under different names. I can't see an issue with interchanging these, at the end of the day how could it be argued that this is in any way unsafe? I do however hate to see boards that have all kinds of mix and match breakers wedged in next to each other, except for looking crap, the parts are not designed to work together. Had one the other week where the breakers in no way lined up, so the bright spark had cut the CU cover just to be able to get it back on. Total bodge.

Like this one I came across:



And yes "off" was up.

I recommended it was replaced and heard nothing back!

 

[kingeri]

That's just outstanding. They decided to use an Australian breaker..

 

[Octopus]

That's just outstanding. They decided to use an Australian breaker..

The scarey thing was that if you weren't paying attention you would still have the lights on when you may think they were off!!

 

[Darkwood]

As above you can have a Umbrella company that sells different branded gear but actually its all made by the same company and is identical except markings....

The catch 22 here is most if not all dist' boards and consumer units will specify only their gear to be fitted to their boards so you are now breaking BS 7671 regulation to fit a alternative, now as the BS is a guide if you can argue and prove the alternative has no negative effect on the existing set-up like stressing the busbar or issues fitting the lid then its really your call but as your now working outside the existing regulations it should be noted and reasoned on the certificate supplied.