I did a search on breaker types and came up with a document from Siemens. They have types, A, B, C, D.
The breakers all have the same thermal properties. The difference lies in the overcurrent required for the electromagnet to step in. It along with the intended use for the breaker type is listed below.
Type A: 2-3 times rating. To protect very sensitive circuits such as semiconductors.
Type B: 3-5 times rating. Designed to protect European residential circuits.
Type C: 5-10 times rating. For general device protection in control circuits etc.
Type D: 10-20 times rating. Designed as a supplementary protector of high inrush loads such as transformers and motors.
Comment: The type C 20A breakers Belgian use for the sockets will thus trip between 100-200A. The type B 32A breakers that Paul use for Ring mains will trip between 96-160A. Hence, there is less risk of fire and an appliance "blowing up" when it is connected to a British socket with live and neutral reversed, than when it is connected to a correctly wired Belgian socket.
