Need help with cracking those EICR codes? The technical team at NAPIT, with the help of the 18th Edition Codebreakers publication, answer your latest coding queries. Click on the photos for a closer look!
JOE PERKINS: THIS WAS FOUND WHILE CARRYING OUT AN EICR AT A LORRY MOT WORKSHOP. “WE’LL MAKE IT FIT” THEY SAID…
This is a prime example of why we must ensure that EICRs are carried out and that any electrical work is undertaken by adequately qualified, skilled and registered persons.
Mixing different manufacturers’ equipment in one manufacturer’s enclosure without the main manufacturer’s consent has long been unacceptable – and for a good reason. Different manufacturers design their equipment to operate and discharge gasses etc., in different directions. When we mix different manufacturers’ equipment, there is a danger that those gasses can be discharged onto conductive parts where they aren’t designed, or type tested, to be and can cause a fire or other damage.
In this case, the two manufacturers (Eaton and MEM) merged and are now one entity, or act as subsidiaries. Although they are, in effect, the same manufacturer, the original MEM DB is clearly older than the newer Eaton MCBs that have been fitted. This means that the original DB has been butchered to make a 3-phase Eaton MCB fit.
Not only is it now unlikely to be adequately terminated to the busbar, but the MCB’s off/on switch direction is also different from the rest of the devices in the DB. This could cause confusion in the event of required emergency isolation. There are single-phase Eaton devices in the board that appear to be a replacement for possibly unavailable MEM devices and look to fit as they should.
Although some manufacturers will allow retrofitting of newer devices in older boards, some do not, and some different ranges of manufacturers’ equipment may not be compatible. If in doubt, always consult the manufacturer to ascertain if the devices fitted are acceptable.
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