Upgrading Older Style Wylex Type B MCB's to BS EN 60898

[Bubbler Bob]

hanks
Hi new member here wishing some advise!

I've a 6 Way Consumer Unit with Wylex Type B (WYB Series, BS3871) Push In/Pop Out style MCB's, which is working with no known faults.

Utilising 2 x 5A MCB's re front & rear ceiling light circuits, and 2 x 30A MCB's re front & rear power socket circuits within 1st floor maisonette. (15A Immersion and 45A Cooker disconnected/cabling stowed in loft space).

I note that BS3871 MCB's have since been superseded/upgraded? by BS EN 60898, my question: is there any benefit/s in retro fitting with Wylex Type B (B Series, BS EN 60898) On/Off Switch style MCB's ?.

I note that BS EN 60898 are designated 6A & 32A over 5A & 30A, which I presume is fully compatible.

Not really wishing to upgrade consumer unit itself at this present time, thanks.

 

[westward10]

You can get replacement plug in 60898 devices which maybe a good idea as your old 3871 type B devices may no longer be none too reliable.

 

[rolyberkin]

There is no advantage in changing your current MCB's, you should seriously consider fitting an RCD though.

 

[Bubbler Bob]

There is no advantage in changing your current MCB's, you should seriously consider fitting an RCD though.

Thanks, can an RCD be installed/retro fitted to present CU?

 

[Bubbler Bob]

You can get replacement plug in 60898 devices which maybe a good idea as your old 3871 type B devices may no longer be none too reliable.[/QUOTE
Thanks, they appear to be still reliable as trip out if/when required. But will take it onboard, re replacing.

 

[ferg]

I agree with westward. I've had a few issues with those breakers over the years.

A fuse board upgrade shouldn't break the bank for such a small property though.

 

[rolyberkin]

You could buy a decent new board for the cost of upgrading those MCB's, replacing them is throwing good money after bad IMHO.

 

[Bubbler Bob]

You could buy a decent new board for the cost of upgrading those MCB's, replacing them is throwing good money after bad IMHO.

Thanks, appreciate it makes more sense to upgrade CU to latest spec.

 

[Octopus]

Introducing a RCD board with no proper testing is asking for trouble .... do you have any proper test kit?

 

[Bubbler Bob]

Introducing a RCD board with no proper testing is asking for trouble .... do you have any proper test kit?

I'd get an approved sparks to upgrade/swap out and test CU

 

[Bubbler Bob]

Appreciate all your responses thus far, a current/17th edition RCD/MCB CU appears best option to myself then

 

[rolyberkin]

Bob, would now be an 18th edition board but I am splitting hairs! Ask your electrician for a price for both a dual RCD and a rcbo board personally I only fit rcbo boards. With so few circuits the cost between the two different types will not be that much.

 

[Bubbler Bob]

Bob, would now be an 18th edition board but I am splitting hairs! Ask your electrician for a price for both a dual RCD and a rcbo board personally I only fit rcbo boards. With so few circuits the cost between the two different types will not be that much.

Roly, duly noted! thanks