Overload device negate requirement for In<Iz?

Hi all,

For context this is a TP, N & E socket circuit supplying a machine. The machine supplier has recommended that the circuit be supplied from a 125A MCB, however the machining cabling is not supplied from a cable rated to 125A.

I'm being told that a cable size doesn't need to be sufficiently sized for the upstream breaker, when there is an overload unit downstream and that the cabling would withstand a short circuit disconnecting quickly

Is this true? I can't find anything explicit in the regs confirming either way, aside from Ib<In<Iz

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  • Just wondering about the 125A MCB recommendation from the manufacturer. Seems very blunt with no type stipulation. I wouldn’t have thought a MCB was an appropriate choice for such a situation. MCCB with long time pick up adjustment or maybe MPCB or fuse might be better.

    Having been recently involved in helping in the commissioning of a major installation in a milking parlour, I am not at all confident that manufacturers of some equipment are as technically aware as some might think. I don’t think it is necessarily prudent to blindly defer to their instructions. 

  • Hi Lyle, they actually suggest a "slow blow fuse", however the manufacturers panel includes an overload unit and circuit breaker, which, I guess negates the requirement for this

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  • It may be that the innocent looking phrase "Slow blow fuse" tells a story. 

    I suspect they are aware of a inrush problems that they are not entirely on top of ;-) Their fix is to specify an oversize supply, a thin and so slightly more resistive cable than normal, and to be a bit vague about speed ratings of fuses so its not their problem. If you have not already installed then be ready to change the breaker to an MCCB with a programmable delay or a maybe 'D' type MCB if there are inrush trip issues.

    Or of course a slow blow fuse ;-)

    Mike