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Name the breaker. (Dorman Smith BS3871 Type D).

I an trying to determine the maximum Zs for the spare 16 amp MCB with a 5 second disconnect time. 

The maximum Zs of the SWA distribution circuit will be less than 1.4 ohms using a third core as the CPC not including the armour, so it will be lower.

Edit- taking Ze as 0.8 ohms TNS.

professional-electrician.com/.../

Parents
  • As per usual I am wandering off topic.

    I have to alter and add some lighting, the existing circuit now seems to be protected by a BS3871 D16 MCB without RCD protection, so I am going to run the new lights from the new consumer unit which has RCD protection from a B6.

    However having thought a bit more about the original lighting circuit it does actually comply with 559.5.1.204 which says the maximum OCD rating for lighting circuits with B15, B22, E14, E27 or E40 lamp holders is 16 amps, so when it was originally installed it could have complied with the regs, but I suspect due to alterations it may well be an issue now plus there’s not 30 mA RCD protection.

    It is easier to work from the new additional consumer unit that has a Type A 30 mA RCD and a B6 MCB in it and not get over involved with the existing installation.

    If there were banks of fluorescent lights or similar I would not be surprised to see a D16 on the lighting circuit, but this is only a flat with a few lights in each room.

Reply
  • As per usual I am wandering off topic.

    I have to alter and add some lighting, the existing circuit now seems to be protected by a BS3871 D16 MCB without RCD protection, so I am going to run the new lights from the new consumer unit which has RCD protection from a B6.

    However having thought a bit more about the original lighting circuit it does actually comply with 559.5.1.204 which says the maximum OCD rating for lighting circuits with B15, B22, E14, E27 or E40 lamp holders is 16 amps, so when it was originally installed it could have complied with the regs, but I suspect due to alterations it may well be an issue now plus there’s not 30 mA RCD protection.

    It is easier to work from the new additional consumer unit that has a Type A 30 mA RCD and a B6 MCB in it and not get over involved with the existing installation.

    If there were banks of fluorescent lights or similar I would not be surprised to see a D16 on the lighting circuit, but this is only a flat with a few lights in each room.

Children
  • The need for R.C.D. protection for domestic lighting circuits is possibly overkill in most cases. But perhaps it protects the amateur D.I.Y. installer who shouldn't be meddling with stuff where his knowledge is insufficient.

    Additional protection (415.1.1) to protect users from carelessness. But I can't see a big issue with ceiling lighting which is out of reach in most cases.

    Z.