45a mcb for sockets?

[23vc]

Hi, I'm a bit confused as looking at the CU in my new house the (single) socket circuit (assume it's a ring but don't know for sure ) appears to be rated at 45a looking at the picture attached, although someone's written "30a " beneath it, the breaker itself certainly is labelled 45a. This is a scary prospect and I'm waiting for my electrician to get over next week but anyone who can advise or set me straight if I've misunderstood, much appreciated! It's a 1960s 3 bed house.
Cheers
John

 

[Iggifer]

Well, can't read the labels because of the flash, but there's certainly no 32A breaker in there. Slightly worrying but you're right in getting to someone to look at it.

It's a fairly old board, so unless he happens to have one of those MCBs in his van, he may struggle to get one. If he's somebody you've used before it may be worth having a chat with him and see if he's got one. If not you could get one in advance. Failing that, it may be time to think about getting the board updated to something with RCD protection.

There may also be other hidden nightmares if someone has done something that rough there, who knows?

 

[kai]

B&Q sell MK breakers, have you tried them? (They are also 6KA (M6) rated too).

 

[kai]

The RCD is also rated at 100mA trip - inadequate for today's regulations, which require 30mA or less tripping current on the RCD.

 

[Iggifer]

B&Q sell MK breakers, have you tried them? (They are also 6KA (M6) rated too).

Sometimes I wonder if you work for B&Q.....

B&Q sell 60898s, the chances of getting a 3871 from even a wholesalers in minute, never mind B&Q!!

 

[Iggifer]

The RCD is also rated at 100mA trip - inadequate for today's regulations, which require 30mA or less tripping current on the RCD.

But regs are not retrospective, so 100mA is better than no mA, tbf I didn't even notice it was an RCD, I just thought it was a main switch

 

[23vc]

Thanks for the replies I will definitely go for a new board, I am very worried that this hasn't been picked up before despite previous niceic certs for adding a new circuit and a label on the CU saying when the next inspection is due. If I understand correctly this is a dangerous installation hence worried
Cheers
John

 

[PBC_1966]

I can't make out the full description on the label, but what's that in position 3 which has 15 written on the label but a 45A mcb?

 

[ericmark]

Yes it seems you have 45A MCB's and it looks like reading below that was not the original sizes. I have tried to enhance the photo.

 

[Iggifer]

Thanks for the replies I will definitely go for a new board, I am very worried that this hasn't been picked up before despite previous niceic certs for adding a new circuit and a label on the CU saying when the next inspection is due. If I understand correctly this is a dangerous installation hence worried
Cheers
John

It has the potential to be dangerous. In itself, it's not dangerous, but should you have a fault, it may not operate as a 32a(or 30A) would. Clearly, the previous occupant has got by fine for a number of years with it, but like I say, definitely something to get rectified sooner rather than later.

I would get an Electrical Installation Condition Report done before the board change, any good electrician would suggest this anyway as it will highlight any issues that may arise when you move to two 30mA RCDs. It may also reveal that everything is horrendous and you might want to wait and save for a rewire - and in this case, downrate the mcb to 30A. Of course, it also might not!

 

[Taylortwocities]

I would like to see what is connected to those 45A MCBs.
You would need to take the cover off to take a photo though. May be wise to turn off the Main Switch before you do that. There may be horrors behind the cover……

Certainly I would like to see a copy of the NICEIC inspection report. I see "next inspection due in 2017" so there will be paperwork from a few years ago.
What does the schedule of circuits say?

Re 100mA RCD. I guess this could be a TT installation of a "certain age"?

 

[Iggifer]

From what I can make out, the far right 45 is cooker, then shower and then sockets. And then presumably that leaves an immersion/boiler supply and two lighting circuits.

Chances are the cooker and maybe even the shower cables aren't suitable for a 45a

 

[PBC_1966]

And that 15 written on the label appears to be written over an older 30. There are two 5A MCB's and two "5" indications on the labels, but out of place. Maybe breakers have been "shuffled along" to make room for one and little aligns with the labels?

Time to examine exactly what's fed from each MCB and what size cables are connected to each.

 

[23vc]

Thanks all I really appreciate the replies. I will have a look and report back

 

[Risteard]

The RCD is also rated at 100mA trip - inadequate for today's regulations, which require 30mA or less tripping current on the RCD.

Not really true. A maximum rated residual operating current of 30mA is required where the RCD is to provide additional protection - for fault protection etc. 30mA is not required even today.