Converted circuit breakers: punishment for their use

What are the converted machines for?

16A introductory circuit breakers are found most often in houses and apartments where there is no electric stove. This means that you can connect electrical appliances at the same time, the total power of which is not more than 3.5 kW. What does it mean? You just

To solve this problem, you need to increase the allocated power, but it is not always possible to do this. The increase in the allocated power consists, first of all, in determining the load on the line, and if its capacity allows this, then the input machine is replaced.

Unauthorized replacement of the introductory machine with a different denomination is prohibited. The rating that you should have installed is prescribed in the technical conditions when connected to the mains.

How switches are remodeled

There are two answers to the question of how to change the face value of the machine.

The first way is to redraw the characteristics on the front panel. On a conventional circuit breaker, technical specifications are erased and new ones applied. Thus, you get a 16A case, inside a 32A mechanism, or any other ratings. The advantage of this method is the relative cheapness of the converted products. Disadvantages:

• Impossible, difficult or expensive to do it yourself.
• The quality of the newly applied paint may be inferior to that of the original. As a result, the inscription with the new denomination may fade or disappear altogether, and upon visual inspection the inspector can determine a replacement.

The second option is reassembly or repackaging with the installation of a more powerful mechanism in the case from a circuit breaker of a lower rating.

It happens like this: they take 2 machines with a rated current of 63A, and 25A (or any other required ratings), disassemble them. Each circuit breaker consists of two halves connected by metal tubes (brass, for example). These tubes are expanded on both sides, thereby holding the body assembled.

After disassembly, the mechanism 63A is installed in the housing 25A and reassembled. The main and only advantage of this alteration is the "native" inscriptions on the cases. And the disadvantages are:

• Modern automatic switches are non-separable. As mentioned, they are assembled using expanded tubes. This means that there is no guarantee that the halves of the converted circuit breaker will be reassembled using metal tubes, followed by flaring.
• In some cases, the halves of the body are glued together, and the tubes are cut and also glued into the seats. After that, they do not work as fasteners, since they do not bear a mechanical load.
• There is no guarantee that the product was altered at all (this also applies to the first method) and you were not sold an ordinary machine at the price of the converted one (it can be 3-5 times higher).

It is important to note that converted circuit breakers from all popular manufacturers are available on the market: Legrand, Schneider, ABB, TDM, EKF, IEK and others.

What are the consequences and can they be fined for replacement

In conclusion, I would like to consider the consequences of using converted circuit breakers, let's start with the positive points:

1. You will be able to turn on simultaneously electrical appliances with a greater total power. You will stop knocking out the machine when you turn on the heater and the electric kettle at the same time.
2. It will not be possible to distinguish the converted circuit breaker from the usual one in appearance, this can only be checked with special devices for them loading. Therefore, the usual taking of readings from an electric meter by an inspector from a service organization is not dangerous, because even if he pays attention to AB, he will not see the difference.
3. Installing a converted machine is not theft of electrical energy, how much you have consumed and pay for so much.

The disadvantages are much more serious:

1. It turns out, from the second advantage, how the inspector cannot distinguish from the alteration from the original - also you will not be able to check outwardly if the original machine was sold to you under the guise converted.
2. Even if you replaced the wiring in the house or apartment, it is not a fact that the lead-in cable or cable on the riser at the entrance will withstand the increased load. In addition, if all the neighbors install converted machines, all the more it can knock out an automatic machine at a substation, an ASU at home, burn out zero, etc.
3. If, for any reason, the organization responsible for the electricity supply to your home becomes aware of illegal manipulation, you may be held liable. In simple words, you can be fined for violations of the Rules for the Use of Electric and Heat Energy, and can also be charged under Article 7.19 Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation "Unauthorized connection and use of electrical, thermal energy, oil or gas" (for legal entities, a fine of up to 200,000 rubles), Article 9.11. Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation "Violation of the rules for the use of fuel and energy, networks, storage facilities, maintenance, sale and transportation of energy carriers, fuel and products of its processing "(fine for individuals up to 2000 rubles) and, if your actions caused damage, then the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, Article 165 "Causing property damage by deception or abuse trust ".

The video below provides a detailed overview of the so-called charged circuit breaker:

In conclusion, I would like to note that the converted machines should not be put not only to avoid punishment, but also for the safe use of electricity. In addition to the fact that you can be fined, you need to take into account the possibility of failure of the electrical wiring and the lead-in cable. That is why all the above manipulations must be avoided, and the only way out of the situation is to increase allocated capacity, even if you have to wait for your utility to upgrade the grid and related equipment.

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• Neighbors steal electricity - what to do
• How to replace plugs with machines in the dashboard
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