Rules and Guidelines
Want to participate in the discussions? Please read our Community Rules and Guidelines. Need some help? Visit Support and Answers.

  • State Not Answered
  • Locked Locked
  • Replies 10 replies
  • Subscribers 30 subscribers
  • Views 616 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
You may also be interested in
This discussion is locked.
You cannot post a reply to this discussion. If you have a question start a new discussion

3 Phase Board Replacement

Former Community Member
Former Community Member
bbde2234199734238b313b2f5622eca8-huge-img_20210317_171001.jpgHi,


​​I was hoping I could glean some knowledge from you bright sparks.


I have a very old (and should be illegal) Federal Pacific 3 Phase Board that I am updating. It currently has 36 ways (with 2 Triple Pole and 30 Single Pole Breakers) with 3P 100a Disconnector.


There aren't many Boards that can fit that amount of outgoing ways, but I've find Europa Components do one.


Is it a case of switching old SP Breaker for new SP Breaker, and similarly for 3P Breaker.


I've attached a picture to hopefully help with your advice.


Thanks
  • 0
    NoviceLearner:
    bbde2234199734238b313b2f5622eca8-huge-img_20210317_171001.jpgHi,


    ​​I was hoping I could glean some knowledge from you bright sparks.


    I have a very old (and should be illegal) Federal Pacific 3 Phase Board that I am updating. It currently has 36 ways (with 2 Triple Pole and 30 Single Pole Breakers) with 3P 100a Disconnector.


    There aren't many Boards that can fit that amount of outgoing ways, but I've find Europa Components do one.


    Is it a case of switching old SP Breaker for new SP Breaker, and similarly for 3P Breaker.


    I've attached a picture to hopefully help with your advice.


    Thanks


    Hello, why are you updating the board? Are you adding R.C.B.O.s? Check compatibility before buying any new components. Why do you think that the board should be classed as "illegal"? Is it because one triple pole breaker seems to be of a different make to the board itself?


    Z.


  • 0
    Yours is a 12 way tpn board, plenty available that size and bigger.
  • 0
    generally yes, swapping one breaker for another is straightforward. BUT be aware that while the DIN rail profile is standard between makers almost XXX all else is, so that breakers from another maker, or even the same maker but a different series may or may not fit - in the sense of not making good contact to the central busbars, and or the lid wont go back on. At this stage you are probably less worried about the warranty, but you do not want to be trying things hopefully to see if they fit.


    Are you replacing the board or adding to it.

    a 12way 3 phase board is a fairly standard part.
    larger are also readily available
    from more than one maker if you wanted to leave expansion room or add SPDs etc.


    Does that one have the insulated shrouding over the incomer internally ? If not even when the main switch is off there is a considerable amount of live metal you could drop your tools or a loose wire end onto.

    Have you had a look inside ? - some are very neat, and cables all clearly labelled and marshalled, others erupt like so much spring loaded spaghetti.

    I suggest you peek inside and scope the job and see what parts are available and what the issues may be before you start in earnest. Also  make sure you know where the supply switches off.

    I presume from your  query you have not done much 3 phase, as this is bread and butter to those who do, but ideally you need to start with someone beside you who has.

    Mike.
  • 0
    NoviceLearner:

    Is it a case of switching old SP Breaker for new SP Breaker, and similarly for 3P Breaker.


    That looks like a Federal Electric Stablok board. I agree with everything that Zoomup says and would be interested to have your answers, although I doubt whether another manufacturer's MCB would fit properly. Perhaps it does not?


    The question above seems a bit odd. Bear in mind that you will be swapping, let's say, a type 1 30 A MCB with a B32 one.


  • Former Community Member
    0 Former Community Member
    Hi,

    Thanks for replying.

    As far as my research has led me, the Federal Pacific board is atrocious, prone to overheating and burning. The system itself hasn't been tested since 2006, and could really do with updating.

    The triple pole is an updated version of the other FPE Breakers.

    Thanks
  • Former Community Member
    0 Former Community Member
    Hi Mike,


    Thanks for taking time to reply.


    I haven't properly opened up the fascia, but if the rest of the cabling/electrics in the building is an indication, it will be a complete mess.


    Thanks
  • Former Community Member
    0 Former Community Member
    Hi Chris,

    Thanks for replying.

    It just seems old and antiquated, and needs updating, hasn't been tested since 2006, and been advised that it might not pass testing.

    Federal Pacific have a reputation, and want to ensure I go into thing with my eyes open, so I don't get shafted by an "overeager" sparky.
  • 0
    The biggest problem with this board, is someone has butchered it to fit a different make of mcb at way 10. You won’t know how safely this has been done until you take the cover off. The door is also missing. 


    Regards,


    Alan.
  • 0
    its the American ones that tend to catch fire, I don't know of any UK scandal around them


    you can get RCBOs for them.


    I would be concerned that it contains an incorrect breaker though, and even swapping it with the right sort might not be great if its damaged the busbar


    its obviously thirty odd years old too
  • 0
    NoviceLearner:

    Hi Chris,

    Thanks for replying.

    It just seems old and antiquated, and needs updating, hasn't been tested since 2006, and been advised that it might not pass testing.

    Federal Pacific have a reputation, and want to ensure I go into thing with my eyes open, so I don't get shafted by an "overeager" sparky.


    Let's get this clear. Are you proposing to change the board yourself, or are you going to get an electrician to do it for you?


    Being old isn't an issue; but that white MCB might be - it does not appear to fit properly.


    Inspection will reveal whether or not there has been any overheating.


    There appear to be 4 test labels so presumably there has not been a problem in the past.


Join us to get the best from IET EngX.

Joining EngX lets you personalise your experience so you stay up to date on the topics that interest you, plus you’ll be able to make connections who are looking to collaborate, exchange ideas and more.

Join us Not now

Community Rules & Guidelines