ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade Non-US Electrical Systems & Trades U.K. 3-phase service pics

Here is a typical older style 3-phase switchfuse, this being of MEM make (Midland Electrical Manufacturing):



The handle must be in the off position (as shown) before the cover can be opened. As you can see, this particular unit did not have a neutral wired to it:


The fuses are pull-out porcelain carriers which take old-fashioned fuse-wire. In this unit, they are rated for 20A maximum:



And finally:


As you can see, there is no load on that 3-phase panel now. This shop (very small, about 12' wide, 30' deep) has just been turned into a taxi office, so it now has only a few lights, radio, computer, etc. running on one phase.

The white "consumer unit" to the right of the MEM switchfuse is a standard single-phase residential-type panel (Wylex brand) tapped off of one phase. It contains just two fuses: 5A for lights & 30A ring for general outlets.

The shop was formerly a key store (as in those places which cut door keys for you) and the 3-phase panel fed the key-cutting machine.

(Ever since "Police Squad" I've been unable to look at one these places without thinking Florida Keys, Francis Scott Keys..... )


[This message has been edited by pauluk (edited 05-30-2003).]