What are converted machines and what threatens their use

The state of electric networks in most cities of Russia, to put it mildly, is not the best. In this regard, you may have problems with increase in allocated power. Electricity networks do not give permission to replace the opening circuit breaker with a larger rating, due to the fact that the network is already overloaded. One of the solutions to the problem is to install a converted machine (or as it is also called charged), for example, in a 16A case with a 40A mechanism. In this article we will tell you how to remake circuit breakers and what could be the consequences of installing such a machine.

Content:

Why do we need reworked machines
How to redo the switches
What are the consequences and whether they can be fined for a replacement

Why do we need reworked machines

Introductory circuit breakers on 16A are most often found in houses and apartments where there is no electric stove. This means that you can simultaneously connect electrical appliances whose total power is not more than 3.5 kW. What does it mean? You just will knock out the opening machinet when you turn on the washing machine, and then turn on the electric kettle or heater.

To solve this problem, it is necessary to achieve an increase in the allocated power, but it is not always possible to do this. An increase in the allocated power consists primarily in determining the load on the line, and if its power allows this, the input automatic machine is replaced.

Unauthorized replacement of the introductory machine with a different nominal value is prohibited. The nominal value that must be installed with you is prescribed in the technical conditions when connected to the mains.

How to redo the switches

There are two answers to the question of how to remake the rating of the machine.

The first way is to redraw the characteristics on the front panel. On a conventional circuit breaker, labels with technical specifications are erased and new ones are 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:

It is impossible, difficult or expensive to do it yourself.
The quality of the newly applied paint may be worse than the original. As a result, an inscription with a new face value may fade or disappear altogether, and with a visual inspection, the inspector can determine the replacement.

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

It happens like this: take 2 automatic machines with a rated current of 63A, and 25A (or any other necessary ratings), take them apart. Each circuit breaker consists of two halves connected by metal tubes (brass, for example). These tubes are flared on both sides, due to this the housing is held and assembled.

After disassembly, the mechanism 63A is installed in the housing 25A and assembled back. The main and only advantage of such an alteration is the “native” inscriptions on the cases. And the disadvantages are:

Modern circuit breakers are non-separable.As said, they are assembled using flared tubes. This means - there is no guarantee that the halves of the converted circuit breaker will be assembled back 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 to the seats. After which they do not work as fasteners, since they do not carry mechanical stress.
There is no guarantee that the product was altered altogether (it applies to the first method) and they did not sell you an ordinary machine at the price of the converted one (it can be 3-5 times higher).

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

What are the consequences and whether they can be fined for a replacement

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

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

The disadvantages are much more serious:

It turns out that from the second advantage, as the inspector cannot distinguish from the alteration from the original, you also will not be able to check by appearance whether the original machine was sold to you under the guise of a remade.
Even if you replaced the wiring in the house or apartment, it is not a fact that the input cable or the cable on the riser in the entrance will withstand the increased load. In addition, if all the neighbors install remodeled machines - all the more so they can knock out a machine at a substation, an ASU at home, burn zero, etc.

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 set not only to avoid punishment, but also for the safe use of electricity. In addition to being fined, you need to consider the possibility of failure of the wiring and input cable. That is why all the above manipulations need to be bypassed, and the only way out of the situation is to increase the allocated power, even if you have to wait for your energy supply company to modernize the power grid and related equipment.

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