Replacement breaker help. 1 March at 6:41PM edited 1 March at 8:09PM in In my home (includes DIY) MoneySaving 14 replies 448 views

housebuyer143

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. 

dil1976

Why are you wanting to swap a MCB? They are one of the safest forms of protection from electric shocks, and dont usually fail.

TadleyBaggie

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.

Alderbank

TadleyBaggie said:

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.'

FFHillbilly

they are the same MCB. the part numbers match, both are ALB XX 1 (where XX is the amperage)

Mutton_Geoff

TadleyBaggie said:

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 

Risteard

FFHillbilly said:

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.

chris_n

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.

ThisIsWeird

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.

Ectophile

ThisIsWeird said:

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.

markin

Is the a double pole switch from the meter or will you be doing it Live or pulling the main fuse?

Good luck!