80% loading in Small power / Lighting Circuit breakers

Nick Parker:

Is the 80% loading rule apply on lighting / socket outlet loads on a circuit breaker?, for example, if the circuit breaker rating is of 15A, the maximum load on that breaker would be 12A and you cant load more than that.

I think this rule is more common in Americas. How about this rule in Europe? Why 80% loading and not to the maximum capacity? 

There has been talk of spacing M.C.B.s in consumer units, leaving a blank space between them if they are running near to full capacity, to prevent heating up adjacent M.C.B.s and making them more prone to nuisance trip. But that is just personal preference as far as I know.


Z. 

Nick Parker:

Is the 80% loading rule apply on lighting / socket outlet loads on a circuit breaker?, for example, if the circuit breaker rating is of 15A, the maximum load on that breaker would be 12A and you cant load more than that.

I think this rule is more common in Americas. How about this rule in Europe? Why 80% loading and not to the maximum capacity? 

There has been talk of spacing M.C.B.s in consumer units, leaving a blank space between them if they are running near to full capacity, to prevent heating up adjacent M.C.B.s and making them more prone to nuisance trip. But that is just personal preference as far as I know.


Z.