Using like-new items?

Not acceptable IMHO in most cases, for a paying customer. If the customer is paying for new materials then that is exactly what they should get.

An exception could reasonably be made in the case of replacement parts that are hard to find new, but only with the specific agreement of the customer.


I would consider used or reclaimed materials to be acceptable if doing a freebie for a friend or relative, but not for a paying customer.

I would be more doubtful about MCBs than most other components since they cant realistically be properly tested.

It describes itself as “For anyone finding it hard to locate MCBs / RCBOs or any other electrical trade kit.”


The words “hard to locate” sets the theme.

I didn't rush to reply because I have been contemplating whilst gardening this afternoon.


As a supplier to a consumer (as opposed to another business) you have the statutory obligation to ensure that goods are fit for purpose. How would you ensure that?


It's a bit like part-worn tyres: who in their right mind would use them? And surely nobody would contemplate using part-word brake pads! But any owner of a classic or vintage car would be perfectly happy to buy and fit used parts.


So I think that it depends upon circumstances. Almost never commercially, but perhaps at home.

It's a bit like part-worn tyres: who in their right mind would use them?


Anyone who buys a secondhand car!


Regards


BAD

Buying complete sets of wheels and tyres is a much better bet than buying tyres off the rims.

Buying complete sets of wheels and tyres is a much better bet than buying tyres off the rims.


?


Why stop there? Go the whole hog and buy new driveshafts, discs, rack and pinions, diffs, suspension......................................................

Cheaper to just get an MOT done.

Unlike the electrical engineers I have never owned a car, so I just wave to them from my van as they whizz past in the opposite direction driving their cars.


So I only ever buy commercial tyres and the only performance requirement I look for is long life and lots of miles per gallon, unlike the electrical engineers who may find a set of wheels complete with tyres a better deal than just buying tyres, honestly!


I do however have a little Daihatsu Hi-jet pickup (a Piaggio in disguise) which someone put alloy wheels on before I bought it, the one and only modification. I changed insurance companies this year and the broker had to have a conversation with the insurers who seemed to have a mental picture of a miniature monster truck when alloy wheels were mentioned on the paperwork.


As soon as you vary from manufacturers original equipment you open a whole can of worms, so going back to the original post, it has to be better to fit a second hand piece MCB or RCD from the manufacturer than try to fit a similar looking brand new device from a different manufacturer as is often done.


Andy B.