mcb as a light switch.

[csg elec]

hiya can anyone help me.

i attended a store to replace some faulty lamps only to find that all the light fittings in the store are switched by the mcb's. bs60898

i've only just recenlty passed my electrical qaulifacations and still coming to grips with the regs.
i've searched the reg's on this matter and all i can find is table 53.2 p117. which seems to indicate that a bs 60898 can be used as functional switching.

is this acceptable to use mcb's as a light switch?
i'm sure the main purpose of an mcb is a form of protection not a form of isolation.

your help would be appreciated

dean

 

[bugsy]

I think you have answered your own question, as long it's not a fuse (it's not ) a link (it's not ) or a off load isolator your O'K

 

[malcolmsanford]

I think you have answered your own question, as long it's not a fuse (it's not ) a link (it's not ) or a off load isolator your O'K

Spot on ......................but just don't seem right does it

 

[csg elec]

no your rite it dont. thanks guys

 

[GrannySmiff]

So a mcb can provide functional switching, hmmmmm classy.

 

[bugsy]

Not the best solution, but compliant providing of course these are not stuck away in a cupboard which would raise other issues

 

[Darkwood]

Example; A C60H Merlin Gerin MCB has an 'on load' operating cycles of approx 20,000 but other brands and especially pre 60898 mcb's i would refer to manufactures spec' to confirm they are suitable for on load regular switching.

 

[leolec]

Know of one where they're using a screwdriver to throw the mcb as it has become stiff or something - don't get some folk - why don't they get it fixed!