Switch Panel upgrade

[atm84]

If an fuses for existing spare switched fuse unit within a switch panel is now obsolete (GEC Alsthom) then is it going to be a case of upgrading the whole panel if I want to add a new circuit?

That could turn a £500 job into about a £10k job.

I suspect I could get the parts off eBay but they probably aren't back by manufacturers warranty any more and don't want to install something that isn't legit.

 

[Plonker 3]

Have you tried these?

OBSOLETE CIRCUIT BREAKERS

 

[Knobhead]

How the hell can a fuse be obsolete? Find an alternative manufacturer that makes a fuse with the same specification.

A lot of our fuses were English Electric, English Electric is no more. The strange thing is Dorman Smith, Busman, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc, all made the same type and to the same specification as the originals.

Should we have ripped the switchgear out if a fuse blew?

Bloody amateurs!

 

[atm84]

Of course a fuse can be obsolete, 1) one if the fuses are no longer made and 2) if the disconnection times do not meet those specified in BS 7671

 

[Plonker 3]

2) if the disconnection times do not meet those specified in BS 7671

Thats nothing to do with a obselete fuse, more to do with the design of the circuit.

Beside as Tony says lots of other MCBs will be compatible with what is already installed.

 

[atm84]

They aren't mcb. These are Switch Fuse Units using BS 88 fuses which fit into a unit that is no longer available.

 

[Plonker 3]

What exactly is it you need? A Bs 88 fuse or a whold switch fuse, fuse carrier?

 

[Engineer54]

The chances of not being able to find a direct replacement to a given manufactures fuse is to say the least remote!! All BS 88 fuses of the same size, type, and dimensions, will be just the same as any other manufactures fuse with the same data printed on the fuse. That's the whole point/idea behind having a British Standard. You'll also find that other EU based standard fuses are officially interchangeable with BS fuse types.

 

[Plonker 3]

Hve you contacted the manufacturer direct to find out if there is anything you can install that is compatible?

 

[atm84]

The manufacturer is no longer. The existing spare switch fuse is rated at 100 amps three phase. I need a 200 amp three phase. They are the type that pull out on a drawer. The existing one is GEC Alsthom and is circa 35 years old.

 

[Engineer54]

The manufacturer is no longer. The existing spare switch fuse is rated at 100 amps three phase. I need a 200 amp three phase. They are the type that pull out on a drawer. The existing one is GEC Alsthom and is circa 35 years old.

That would be called a ''Withdrawable switch fuse'' Do they pull out or wind out with a tool??

There are businesses out there that trade on older/obsolete equipment try googling. If this GEC Alsthrom system was a well liked/commonly used system, then the chances are, someone somewhere will have what you are looking for...

 

[atm84]

That would be called a ''Withdrawable switch fuse'' Do they pull out or wind out with a tool??

There are businesses out there that trade on older/obsolete equipment try googling. If this GEC Alsthrom system was a well liked/commonly used system, then the chances are, someone somewhere will have what you are looking for...

They just pull out. I have had a look on google but only manage to find second hand ones which have been 'reconditioned' at best. I will not install anything but brand new and which is backed by manufacturers warranty in order to cover my ---.

 

[Plonker 3]

You had better tell your customer that it will cost them £10,000 to change 3 fuses then. Then lose the job because someone is willing to use reconditioned parts.

 

[atm84]

I'd rather lose the job than lose my dignity when things go wrong.

#cowboy

 

[atm84]

I'd rather lose the job than lose my dignity when things go wrong.
By also changing the panel there will be spare ways for future additions later on.