LED lamp startup currents and MCB/RCBO

‘Impulse tripping’ curves (really non-tripping curves) are not in common circulation for plain vanilla MCBs in common consumer units of course.

Perhaps in addition to the normal B/C/D curves etc makers ought to publicize this sort of thing more widely.

Mike.

For one or two lighting circuits in homes or similar sized premises I would urge not “over thinking” the problem but simply allowing a generous margin.

It is probable that a fair proportion of the lighting points will accept E27 lamps, B22, GU10 or other popular types, and it is almost certain that the occupier will replace failed lamps with alternatives of different characteristics. Replacement of complete light fittings with different types is likely.

In the case of large installations with many similar lighting circuits such as a factory or an office block then a bit more detailed planning is worthwhile. Including seeking the suppliers advice.

In the home, one trip per annum of the lighting circuit might be acceptable under some seldom occurring adverse circumstance.

In a large building with several hundred lighting circuits, then an average of one trip a day is unlikely to be acceptable.