volex consumer unit

brightontraveller

jk0 wrote: »

How odd? (sarc) Electricians not wanting a homeowner to help himself.

Frankly, I'm not bothered. The electricity will have no idea what sort of enclosure it is in. These items were obviously intended to be interchangeable, or why would they all fit on Din rails.

Only CU manufacture can give definitive answer as to which Breaker, Fuse, Rcd, Rcbo, Circuit Breaker whatever you wish to call them should be used in there CU???? Personally couldn't give a hoot who fits them that doesn't mean I'd give them the wrong information as you have "Yeah, as long as it's physically the same shape, and same connection points, go for it." Is a moronic, dangerous advice but hey ho its not your house/ family business etc that could be injured set on fire etc so whats it matter

Risteard

jk0 wrote: »

These items were obviously intended to be interchangeable, or why would they all fit on Din rails.

There has never been any guarantee of interchangeability. Yes, they are all DIN rail mounted - but the positions of everything in the devices is not determined by the Standard. (Perhaps this is proof for you that they aren't intended to be interchangeable.)

You MUST consult the manufacturer before utilising devices other than their own ones designed for that particular distribution board.

Do you even understand the concept of type testing?

Ectophile

Risteard wrote: »

There has never been any guarantee of interchangeability. Yes, they are all DIN rail mounted - but the positions of everything in the devices is not determined by the Standard. (Perhaps this is proof for you that they aren't intended to be interchangeable.)

You MUST consult the manufacturer before utilising devices other than their own ones designed for that particular distribution board.

Do you even understand the concept of type testing?

And the manufacturer will always say "no" because they will not have tested it.

The question of whether or not it's safe to swap breakers for a different brand is something that even professional electricians will argue over endlessly.

All breakers should meet common European standards. So if the new breaker is genuinely a perfect form and fit replacement (and doesn't have to be jammed into place), then it should be safe. But since that particular assembly will never have been type tested, nobody will actually guarantee that it's safe.