Replacement breaker help.

edited 1 March at 8:09PM in In my home (includes DIY) MoneySaving
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housebuyer143housebuyer143 Forumite
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I am trying to buy a replacement breaker.  Without unscrewing the current fuse box and taking out the current one, I wanted to know if anyone can advise if this is a match? 

The only difference I see is a 2 in the bottom corner, rather than a 1 in the top? Not sure what that means.

I need a 20amp breaker. 
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  • dil1976dil1976 Forumite
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    Why are you wanting to swap a MCB? They are one of the safest forms of protection from electric shocks, and dont usually fail.
  • TadleyBaggieTadleyBaggie Forumite
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    Searches might not be working by using the term "fuse". those are breakers or MCBs.

    You need a 6amp MCB, the one pictured is 20amp. Otherwise it looks like the right type.
  • AlderbankAlderbank Forumite
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    Searches might not be working by using the term "fuse". those are breakers or MCBs.

    You need a 6amp MCB, the one pictured is 20amp. Otherwise it looks like the right type.
    The OP said, 'I need a 20amp breaker.'
  • FFHillbillyFFHillbilly Forumite
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    they are the same MCB. the part numbers match, both are ALB XX 1 (where XX is the amperage)
  • Mutton_GeoffMutton_Geoff Forumite
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    Searches might not be working by using the term "fuse". those are breakers or MCBs.

    You need a 6amp MCB, the one pictured is 20amp. Otherwise it looks like the right type.
    Maybe the OP wants to increase the upstairs lighting circuit capacity to 20A to allow for installation of heat lamps in the loft  :D
    Still puzzled after 17 years on MSE why people sign up and post to find solutions to problems they could have easily avoided by searching the forums in the first place.WD40 is not a panacea or lubricant. Stop spraying it everywhere!
  • edited 1 March at 11:25PM
    RisteardRisteard Forumite
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    edited 1 March at 11:25PM
    they are the same MCB. the part numbers match, both are ALB XX 1 (where XX is the amperage)

    And "1" is the number of poles.

    I'm not a huge fan of second-hand circuit protective devices if I'm honest.
    RECI & Safe Electric Registered Electrical Contractor
    NICEIC Approved Contractor
    ECA Registered Member
  • chris_nchris_n Forumite
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    You can't just assume you can change a 6A MCB for a 20A, the wiring and fittings may not be rated for 20A. MEM circuit breakers are readily available from many places.
  • edited 2 March at 7:07AM
    ThisIsWeirdThisIsWeird Forumite
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    edited 2 March at 7:07AM
    H143, are you trying to up-rate the MCB, or swap a 20 for a 20? If the former, can we ask why? Are you sure it's a good idea?

    The one shown should be a direct replacement. I understand the 'B' before the rating number indicates a 'type' - how fast it responds, like the slow & fast-blow fuses you can get. Not sure which way.
  • EctophileEctophile Forumite
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    H143, are you trying to up-rate the MCB, or swap a 20 for a 20? If the former, can we ask why? Are you sure it's a good idea?

    The one shown should be a direct replacement. I understand the 'B' before the rating number indicates a 'type' - how fast it responds, like the slow & fast-blow fuses you can get. Not sure which way.
    The "B" is the speed rating.  You won't see "A" breakers, so "B" is the fastest.  Slower ones are "C" or "D".
    In this country, we usually use "B" ones unless there's a good reason to use a slower one.

    If it sticks, force it.
    If it breaks, well it wasn't working right anyway.
  • markinmarkin Forumite
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    Is the a double pole switch from the meter or will you be doing it Live or pulling the main fuse?

    Good luck!
     
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