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Replacement breaker help.

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housebuyer143
housebuyer143 Posts: 4,233 Forumite
1,000 Posts Third Anniversary Name Dropper
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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Comments

  • dil1976
    dil1976 Posts: 484 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    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
    TadleyBaggie Posts: 6,591 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    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
    Alderbank Posts: 3,850 Forumite
    Eighth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    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
    FFHillbilly Posts: 500 Forumite
    100 Posts Second Anniversary Name Dropper
    they are the same MCB. the part numbers match, both are ALB XX 1 (where XX is the amperage)
  • Mutton_Geoff
    Mutton_Geoff Posts: 4,019 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    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
    Signature on holiday for two weeks
  • Risteard
    Risteard Posts: 2,000 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    edited 2 March 2023 at 12:25AM
    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
    chris_n Posts: 633 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 500 Posts Name Dropper
    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.
    Living the dream in the Austrian Alps.
  • ThisIsWeird
    ThisIsWeird Posts: 7,935 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Second Anniversary Name Dropper
    edited 2 March 2023 at 8:07AM
    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.
  • Ectophile
    Ectophile Posts: 7,938 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    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.
  • markin
    markin Posts: 3,860 Forumite
    Sixth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    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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