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OLD "Square D" 3PH fuseboard- any experience of these- are they safe for use?

I've seen a couple of these but was asked to work on one yesterday. When trying to remove the live&N from an RCBO I was horrified that the breaker just "popped" out of its mounting on the buzz-bar- there's no way to screw it tight, it just pushed in. Ok so it went back but that doesn't seem safe to me: the MCBs are better supported and are less likely to come out but that doesn't mean the connection is any better. Combined with the fact that this board is at floor level inside a full depth kitchen base cabinet, making it almost impossible to work on this without pushing further breakers out, I'm of a mind to recommend this is relocated and replaced, at considerable cost to the customer. Are these boards even safe? They're obsolete as far as I can tell. I'm really worried about the breaker fitment, maybe the spring loaded fitment is safe, but not if every time you work on it stuff pops out and has to be pushed back. I reckon its 15 years or so old, I cant be certain its gone back safely. They look like a spring clip you'd hold a screwdriver or small tool onto a board in a workshop, which last about 5 minutes. When some advocate calibrated torque screwdrivers for buzz-bar connections, and we all know how important it is that these connections are tight, how can I pass this as safe for use?

0 kfh over 5 years ago

I had a few customers with the Square D single and three phase boards. One supplying a commercial kitchen that must be about 30 years old. None had any issues with the plug in connections and the clips are far more robust than the little tool spring clip holders. No issues with overheating or arcing and when I last worked on one a couple of years ago it was perfectly serviceable and better than some of the current value engineered stuff.

Yes if they are knocked they can dislodge from the bus bar but in my experience this requires a pretty firm nudge.

I think your problem is related to lack of proper access, unfortunately the reg number does not spring to mind ?. I would suggest that the customer needs to remove the kitchen cupboard so that there is proper access or get the board moved somewhere with good access.

Despite being retired and isolating I went to one of my "little old ladies", as my wife calls them, as her electrics were tripping, she is also isolating. I eventually found a damp socket in the back of a kitchen cupboard and that was difficult to replace so I have complete sympathy with your predicament but I do not think it is a problem with the board.

Good luck and stay safe.
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0 Dave Thomas over 5 years ago

Thanks, I've given this some thought and I'm in no position to declare that something that was designed as fit for purpose( and presumably to a Bs) is unsafe. I will recommend that either it or the kitchen unit is re-located if possible although as its a community hall, it's unlikely unless they could get some sort of grant and re-wire the whole thing. But its too low down and awkward for an old man like me: they'll have to get someone else!
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0 Sparkingchip over 5 years ago
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0 Sparkingchip over 5 years ago

One that was on the dashboard in my van having been replaced a couple of weeks ago.

I had another pre-used MCB, the clip on it was extremely tight and rather than trying to open it up I swapped it for the clip off this one as it was a much better fit.

Whilst I have obviously seen issues with these devices, it has not been the clips that have failed although they vary in fit regards tightness.

Andy B.
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