MCB no BS number

[Sidewinder]

[quote name='Lee

 

[Manator]

you should never downrate any MCB simply based on the fact that a number is missing from it. The age and markings would clearly show that this is a BS 60898 the fact that it complies to these standards, should not be dismissed because a BS number is missing. You could read the standard for this and shoot me down.

 

[Sidewinder]

OK,

BS7671:1992 states that circuit breakers are acceptable as means of isolation.

This standard has no mention or reference to BS EN 60898, thus a BS 3871 breaker was acceptable then for isolation.

There is however, reference to type B & C mcb's to 3871.

 

[Lee321]

yeah i can't find owt side but it was batted around for a while and stuck and was also picked up by consultants. something about the open contact gap

 

[Sidewinder]

Yes Lee, though I was not one of those consultants! ; )

The issue is that the contact gap must meet that required in 60947-1 for an isolator, now.

However, then it was not the case.

You would need to know when the install was made and the regs in force at the time as to whether it is a PIR code 4 or not really.

I realise this is not a PIR, but it seems the best language in which to describe it.

HTH.

 

[Manator]

You are both very much on the button, I do know that some PIR's will not mention the fact that the BS number is missing from a MCB, some others will make a comment. It would be bad practice to "down grade" the MCB, as this could in some instances alter the characteristics of the circuit and its protection.

If mentioned it could only be noted as a code 4.

 

[Lee321]

You are both very much on the button, I do know that some PIR's will not mention the fact that the BS number is missing from a MCB, some others will make a comment. It would be bad practice to "down grade" the MCB, as this could in some instances alter the characteristics of the circuit and its protection.If mentioned it could only be noted as a code 4.

You didn't grasp what I meant about downgrading it.

If a crane had a design and lifting capacity of 10 ton but it was downgraded to 5 ton it would be excluded from some tasks it is capable of but it would easily do the 5 ton and under lifts. So by downgrading the possibly unknown bs mcb it would be treated with more caution than a 60898. It's not a physical downgrade

 

[Manator]

Yes I do understand that Lee, my comment was more to do with the confusion that could be caused if a different BS number was used, like all "problems" each should be treated with caution, which is what you did say.

 

[Lee321]

:Salute

 

[steptoe]

its very subjective if 3871 is actually a lesser standard than 60898 is it not?

like we all know TT is better than TNCS,,,,,,,,

subjective.

 

[batty]

I would be very suprised if a major producer like GE did not make there MCB's to BS 60898.

 

[batty]

I dont understand how any one could contemplate downgrading an mcb that has no bs numbers on it, it could be a chinese copy with inferior parts inside?If the mcb has no BS or EU numbers on it then it doesn't comply end of surely or are we saying well if looks ok so ill downgrade it to a lesser mcb rating and stick that on my ticket ?

No decent manufacturer doesn't mark there circuit breakers so if the markings are missing then there is something amiss...

I don't see how the crane scenario is similar as that would be subject to the insurance inspector...

But they don't all put the BS number on them remember GE sell there stuff all over the world and they do have a CE on them so that means they should comply with european standards. Hagar don't have BS number on them so would you say Hagar don't make them to a decent standard any way think of the Electrium fiasco they were supposed to be made to BS60898 and look what happened with them.

 

[Lee321]

its a bit like saying that bmw 3 series can't be the real thing because it has the badges missing!

you would know if its been made with pride and engineering.

you only picked up on that and not the posts before that side "to the letter" its not correct. :Salute

 

[Badger]

could you not just replace with new trips in steeple denmans sell steeple, could they be fake trips beings as theres no bs number at all.

 

[Manator]

I think you are all forgetting that any BS standard is given after the tested item has passed an inspection, the lists of testing is available and to a large extent with some standard test equipment these tests can be carried out on-site. This would only give a basic guide as to what the item is, and if it can pass the basic testing. Copies of MCB's are just a metal link, best described as an overated fuse for want of better words, there are some tests that can show this up, if you suspect a copy.

I was always taught never to assume, because it makes an ass out of me and you.