[Question] Orange toggle

[Tang]

Hi guys. Is there anything restricting me to use a 20A orange toggle for a plug circuit. Circuit is generaly pulling 18A but when fridge or freezer start it goes over 20A and trip the mcb

[Lourens.dL]

Orange lever switches have a slow tripping curve. Therefore it would take longer to trip than a normal white lever switch especially under fault conditions.

If your MCB (that should have a higher rating) trips before the 20A CB for the plug circuit trips you might have a faulty MCB or the total load on the MCB is too much.

[Derlyn]

Hi guys. Is there anything restricting me to use a 20A orange toggle for a plug circuit. Circuit is generaly pulling 18A but when fridge or freezer start it goes over 20A and trip the mcb

See table 6.27 SANS 10142-1.

If your circuit is wired with 2,5mm sq wire, you can use a 25A mcb.

Cheers and peace out ... Derek

[Dave A]

See table 6.27 SANS 10142-1.

If your circuit is wired with 2,5mm sq wire, you can use a 25A mcb.

Given that the circuit contains socket outlets, compliance with 6.15.3 may present challenges if you go that route.

[Derlyn]

Given that the circuit contains socket outlets, compliance with 6.15.3 may present challenges if you go that route.

Yep Dave, you right.

Tang, scrap my bad idea. Can work for aircons, but not socket outlets.

Cheers and peace out ... Derek.

[Tang]

Hi guys. I still do not see the reg. stating that orange toggles are not allowed to protect plug circuits. My problem is a plug circuit witch were wired with twin and earth(chased directly in wall) and drawing to close to mcb max. I know that 2,5mm cables can draw more then 20A depending on installation method and the mcb rating of a plug circuit may not exceed 125% of the socket rating. So a 20A orange toggle can go up to 25A for a very limited time. I have seen aircons feeding from plug circuits witch are protected with orange toggle mcb's. I do not want to install the orange toggle(witch will solve my problem) if it is ileagal.

[GCE]

It cannot be illegal - The C/Breaker is still 20 Amp rated but has a different time setting
I cannot recall or find anything that prevents an orange toggle being used

[ians]

Orange...curve 1...D curve breakers are designed specifically for this type of application.

Do some research into circuit breakers and you will find that curve 1 ...2 and 3 have specific applications.

All boils down to design and application.