3 pole breaker query

[Robert M.]

I know it needs to be replaced, but what actually causes a 3 pole breaker to suddenly stop being able to stay in the on position please, and that's even without it connected to anything (i.e. the switch mechanism makes the correct sounding click when push up, but immediately springs down)????

 

[pc1966]

Could be many things, but usually it is just the trip-over mechanism has had a fault (more likely so on older ones that have hardly ever been cycled during test, etc). However, if it has been tripping regularly and reset on to an overload it might be thermally related damage.

How old is it, and can you easily get a replacement?

 

[Robert M.]

Could be many things, but usually it is just the trip-over mechanism has had a fault (more likely so on older ones that have hardly ever been cycled during test, etc). However, if it has been tripping regularly and reset on to an overload it might be thermally related damage.

How old is it, and can you easily get a replacement?

Thank you for very quick reply......it's Square D QOE, so unlikely I'll get a new one (unless old stock), so I'm probably looking at getting a used one which could of course go the same way as the old one very soon (a new board is not really an option)!!

 

[dodger421]

Thank you for very quick reply......it's Square D QOE, so unlikely I'll get a new one (unless old stock), so I'm probably looking at getting a used one which could of course go the same way as the old one very soon (a new board is not really an option)!!

You’d be surprised. I had something similar at work a couple of months ago, we needed to replace a 16A QOE breaker with a 20A RCBO for a socket circuit. Schneider manufacture compatible MCB’s and RCBO’s, the QOvs range.

I ended up calling the account manager bloke at our local YESS Electrical with the part number from Schneider and he was able to source one for us. Wasn’t cheap, about £170 I think including next day delivery. Got us out of a hole though and might hopefully help you too.

Here’s a link to a 20A 3-pole MCB, Schneider do have the full range there.

QO320VSC10 - QOvs - miniature circuit-breaker - 3P - C curve - 20A - 10kA | Schneider Electric UK

QO320VSC10 - QOvs - miniature circuit-breaker - 3P - C curve - 20A - 10kA

www.se.com

 

[dodger421]

In fact CEF stock them, we used YESS because the 20A RCBO has a three or four week lead time from them.

Search The Site For QOvs | CEF

www.cef.co.uk